Separate
Victoria
28th July 1868
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward copies of certain reports from the Police Magistrate of this town respecting the supposed intentions of the Fenians against it. WarningswereManuscript image were also received on the same subject from Her Majesty's Consul at San Francisco.
2. Before leaving New Westminster I received several anonymous letters warning me of the existence of a plot to carry me off, and though I took no notice of them the Victoria Volunteers sent the telegram, copy of which I enclose and Admiral Hastings ordered, though unsolicitedbyManuscript image by me, an Officer and twenty Marines to be ready for Service at New Westminster.
3. The Government House at Victoria where I now reside is isolated on the top of a hill not a mile from the sea, in full view of the American shore. It is about four miles from Esquimalt where the ships of war lie and, therefore, there would be no practical difficulty in carrying out any designswhichManuscript image which the Fenians might entertain against me as representing the British Government. Under these circumstances, and with the advice of the Executive Council, I have accepted Admiral Hastings' offer of a Guard for Government House, or rather for myself, and am about to build a small guard house at the Expense of the Crown Fund.
4. I trust that YourGraceManuscript image Grace will approve of these arrangements.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Reporting Fenian proceedings at San Francisco—see previous communication from Mr Pemberton in the Govrs 8826 herewith.
CC 10 Sept
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Approve of what Govr Seymour has done?
TFE 10/9
CBA 11/9
B&C 12/9
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See subsequent Admy/13555.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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A.F. Pemberton, Police Magistrate, to Colonial Secretary, 25 June 1868, regarding the threat of Fenian attack on Victoria.
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Pemberton to Colonial Secretary, reporting on activities of supposed Fenians in Victoria.
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Telegram, B.W. Pearse, Captain of Victoria Volunteers, to Seymour, 6 March 1868, offering their services.
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Seymour to Pearse, 7 March 1868, acknowledging offer but advising that all was quiet.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, Confidential, 16 September 1868 conveying Buckingham’s approval of how Seymour intends to respond to the Fenian threat in Victoria.