Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to
Grenville, Richard 16 August 1867, CO 60:28, no. 9639, 337.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (8), Other documents (4), Marginalia (1).
Seymour states his concerns if “Civil authorities of the Colony” cannot rely on military
assistance from “the Mother Country,” while “Things are not so on the other side of
the Rocky Mountains.” Minutes by Robinson and Rogers discuss contacting the Admiralty and reflect on Seymour’s comment regarding the situation east of the Rocky Mountains. Buckingham’s minute clarifies that a telegram was sent from the admiralty to forces in British Columbia. Included documents discuss the admiralty providing assistance in British Columbia if there are disturbances.
No. 93
Victoria
16th August 1867
My Lord Duke,
In my despatch No. 92 of this date I refer to a certain
correspondence which has taken place between Rear Admiral
Hastings and myself as regards theposition
position which Her Majesty's
ships would observe towards the Colonial Authorities in the
event of any serious disturbance of the peace amounting possibly
to insurrection occuring in this Territory. I greatly regret
that the papers I had intended to forward have been left behind
during my rapid passage through New Westminster.
position which Her Majesty's
ships would observe towards the Colonial Authorities in the
event of any serious disturbance of the peace amounting possibly
to insurrection occuring in this Territory. I greatly regret
that the papers I had intended to forward have been left behind
during my rapid passage through New Westminster.
2. I will now endeavor to see Admiral Hastings' instructions,
but I may at once say that Ishall
shall be sorry if I find in them
the intimation that under any circumstances the Civil authorities
of the Colony have to make arrangements for the preservation of
the public peace and the honor of the British flag without any
hope of assistance from the Mother Country. Things are not so
on the other side of the Rocky Mountains.
shall be sorry if I find in them
the intimation that under any circumstances the Civil authorities
of the Colony have to make arrangements for the preservation of
the public peace and the honor of the British flag without any
hope of assistance from the Mother Country. Things are not so
on the other side of the Rocky Mountains.
Such a comparison cannot fairly be [insinuated?].
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
See 9638 also.
See 9638 also.
This might be sent to the Admiralty for any observations.
It cannot be supposed that under his instructions the Admiral
has the power, even if he had the will, to send Marines 500
miles inland to check Civil disturbances.
I do not see how it is possible to institute a comparison
between B.C. & Canada if "the other side of the Rocky Mountains"
refers to Canada.
WR
2 Oct 67
I am not aware that "on the other side of the Rocky Mountains"
the H.B.C. or Canadians are enabled [to] maintain internal
quiet at the expense of the Mother Country.
To Admiralty. If I remember right a telegram was sent
out to the effect that the Adml was to exercise his discretion
in employing marines &c. The telegram is not in the dept.
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 71, 31 October 1867 approving of Seymour’s actions in response to the disturbances in the Cariboo and stating British Columbia needs to maintain “internal tranquility” by itself as much as possible.
Minutes by CO staff
Other documents included in the file
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