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 thepositionManuscript image 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 IshallManuscript image 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.
Manuscript image
Such a comparison cannot fairly be [insinuated?].
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Sir F. Rogers
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
Manuscript image
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.
FR 3/10
CBA 4/6
Manuscript image
Such a telegram as arranged by [Admiral Neyhn?] was directed to be sent.
B&C 9/10
Manuscript image
See subsequent 18/6290/68 forwarding the missing correspondence.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 22 October 1867, forwarding copies of despatches No. 92 and No. 93 for consideration with respect to "assistance which may be expected from the navy in the event of serious disturbances within the Colony."
Manuscript image
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
Manuscript image
3 copies, 2 for Signature & one marked "Copy."
TFE 1 Novr
Other documents included in the file
*
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 71, 31 October 1867, as noted above with ending edited.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Robinson
The history of the telegram should be made out, & a copy annexed.
Manuscript image
Mr Bryant sent telegram. I am endeavouring to obtain particulars.
Other documents included in the file
*
Manuscript image
Substance of telegram to Seymour, 18 September 1867, stating Admiral at liberty to send assistance in case of necessity.
Minutes by CO staff
Sent 18 Septr/67. See minute on 99/10373.