Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Hammond, Edmund to
Adderley, Charles Bowyer 21 September 1867, CO 60:30, no. 9358, 160.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Hammond forwards “a despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, together with its enclosure, on the condition and prospects of British Columbia.” Robinson’s minute discusses U.S. annexation feelings in British Columbia, British Columbia’s finances, and who should settle the Red River District. Jadis’s minute discusses the need for Canada to colonize the Hudson's Bay Territory. Rogers’s minute discusses how to establish the government of the Red River Settlement and suggests forwarding copies of the received despatch to Monck. Buckingham minutes that Seymour should receive a copy as well.
Hammond to Under-Secretary of State
I am directed by Lord Stanley to transmit to you, to be laid
before the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, a copy of a despatch
from Her Majesty's Minister at Washington, together with its
enclosure, on the condition and prospects of British Columbia.
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
In a private despatch received on the 16 Augt, which is probably with the Duke of Buckingham, Governor Seymour reported that great desire existed in Victoria for annexation to the U.S. but that that desire did not extend to the Mainland.
In a private despatch received on the 16 Augt, which is probably with the Duke of Buckingham, Governor Seymour reported that great desire existed in Victoria for annexation to the U.S. but that that desire did not extend to the Mainland.
As to the financial
condition of the Colony it is expected that there will be a deficit
of £45,000 in last years Revenue.
As to the settlement of the
Red River District I believe that successive
Secretaries of State
have been of opinion that its colonization should be undertaken by
the Canadian Govt—but I pass this on to you through Mr Dealtry
who will be able to give some information on that point, & the other
questions relating to Saskatchewan & the Lake District.
Secretaries of State
have been of opinion that its colonization should be undertaken by
the Canadian Govt—but I pass this on to you through Mr Dealtry
who will be able to give some information on that point, & the other
questions relating to Saskatchewan & the Lake District.
WR
23 Sept 67
The danger of the Saskatchewan & Red River being overrun by
American
Squatters and Gold seekers has been long foreseen. The Canadian Govt
have been urged to lose no time in dealing with the question of the
Hudson's Bay Territory—and on this point it may perhaps be
sufficient to refer you to the Desp: to Lord Monck dated 23 of Augt
last attached to 6950.
VJ
23 Sep
I dare say that the progress of "self government" will be rapid,
when the new Colony is well
afloat. The two points will be 1. the
legalization of the present informal mode of securing a representation
of the Colony. 2. a decision of the number of magistrates &
officials in the Council.
afloat. The two points will be 1. the
legalization of the present informal mode of securing a representation
of the Colony. 2. a decision of the number of magistrates &
officials in the Council.
& to Seymour also. The chief point of course to impress the
Canadn Govt & whoever is to take Sir F. Bruce's place.
B&C
27/9
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Sir F. Bruce to Lord Stanley, 30 August 1867, commenting on
American feeling toward possible annexation of British Columbia and
the Hudson's Bay territory.
Newspaper clipping,
New York Times, no date, "A Chance for New Territorial
Acquisition in the Northwest," reporting on the condition and
prospects of British Columbia.
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Buckingham to Monck, Canada, Confidential, 2 October
1867, urging prompt settlement of the Hudson's Bay territory.