No. 31
New Westminster
29th April 1868
My Lord Duke,
In obedience to the Instructions conveyed in Your Grace's despatch No. 67 of the 1st of October 1867, I have fixed upon a Capital for the United Colony. TheMessageManuscript image Message which I enclose will shew that I have selected Victoria.
2. There is one circumstance in the affair which I trust you will pardon: and that is, my having ventured to lay Your Grace's despatch before the Council. The feeling existing in both New Westminster and Victoria is so strong on the subject of the seat of Government that I felt it necessary whenactingManuscript image acting in the matter to invoke the assistance of a stronger power than my own in order to prevent disturbance.
3. I forwarded Your Grace's despatch in the Message I enclose. I received the following reply. I commenced my despatch with the final conclusion.
4. I sincerely trust I have acted for the best. I well know I have secured but present tranquillity.
5. InManuscript image
5. In my own heart I must allow, there was a feeling in favour of the manly, respectable, loyal and enterprising community established on the banks of the Fraser.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Victoria was to be, & no doubt was, proclaimed the Capital of B. Columbia on the Queens Birthday.
CC 16 June
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WhenManuscript image this selection of Capital is formally sanctioned, inform Mr Sproat & other persons who have written on the subject, that this has been done.
See draft on Admy 4660.
FR 17/6
CBA 18/6
B&C 19/6
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Printed copy of Address, Seymour to Legislative Council, 30 March 1868, enclosing copies of Buckingham to Seymour, 1 October 1867, and Seymour to Buckingham, 24 December 1867, for opinion.
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Printed copy of proceedings of Council, no date, proposing a resolution against the removal of the government to Victoria, which was defeated fourteen votes to five.
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Printed copy of Address, Seymour to Legislative Council, 28 April 1868, advising that Victoria would be declared the capital of the united colony on the Queen's birthday.
Other documents included in the file
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26 June 1868, Adderley to Anderson, Fraser, and Sproat; Secretary, Hudson's Bay Company; Chairman, Bank of British Columbia; Secretary, Bank of British North America; Chairman Vancouver Coal Mining & Land Co. Limited; and Captain Verney R.N., informing them of the selection of Victoria as capital.
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Cox
Is any confirmation of what the Govr has done necessary, see desp to him No. 28—16 May—attached to 15—4517.
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Sir F. Rogers
I think there ought rightly to be some formalManuscript image approval—but perhaps this may be done when the Govrs Proclamation is recd.