Hammond to Under-Secretary of State
September 21. 1867
Sir,
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.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
E. Hammond
Minutes by CO staff
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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.
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 successiveManuscript image 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
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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
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I dare say that the progress of "self government" will be rapid, when the new Colony is wellManuscript image 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.
I should be disposed to send copies of these to Ld Monck—confidentially like all F.O. communications of this kind—observing that all the infn wh reached HG impressed on him the paramount necessity of losing no time in dealing with the H.B.C. question.
FR 24/9
CBA 25/9
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& 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)
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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.
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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
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Monck, Canada, Confidential, 2 October 1867, urging prompt settlement of the Hudson's Bay territory.