Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 1 August 1868, CO 60:33, no. 9907, 135.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Seymour forwards a letter from Captain Delacombe asking Seymour for a recommendation to have Delacombe’s rank changed from captain to Lieutenant Colonel while serving on San Juan Island and with
no precedence outside the island, and no increase of emolument.Seymour describes why this change in rank would benefit British Columbia and Britain’s presence on San Juan Island. Cox’s minute describes how the question of raising the rank of the officer in command of San Juan Island is being discussed by the Admiralty and suggests sending the despatch to the Admiralty. Included documents describe Delacombe’s request to have his rank raised and the frequency as well as experiences of visiting US officers to British Columbia.
Separate
Victoria
1st August 1868
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to forward Copy of a letter addressed to me by
Captain Delacombe R.M.L.I. commanding the English force
stationed on the Island of San Juan,asking
asking for my
recommendation that the local (to the Island) rank of Lieutenant
Colonel may be bestowed upon him while serving in Command of Her
Majesty's troops on San Juan. Such distinction to be honorary
merely, to carry with it no precedence outside the island, and
no increase of emolument.
asking for my
recommendation that the local (to the Island) rank of Lieutenant
Colonel may be bestowed upon him while serving in Command of Her
Majesty's troops on San Juan. Such distinction to be honorary
merely, to carry with it no precedence outside the island, and
no increase of emolument.
2. I need hardly say that I look upon it entirelyfrom
from a Civil
point of view. Captain Delacombe has no superior officer on the
Island and his Military influence would not be affected by the
change. I however beg to state that in a diplomatic point
of view I think it desirable that Captain Delacombe's request be
acceded to. The Colony is now hardly ever without the presence
of American Officers of highrank.
rank. We have lately received in
Victoria both the Naval and Military Commanders in Chief on the
Pacific Coast. Generals and Colonels are frequent visitors, and
nearly all go over to San Juan. Captains are so common that I
think it would be desirable to move Captain Delacombe out of the
Category. While the Island of San Juan isin
in its normal state,
the settlers will always believe in a slight superiority on the
part of the American Garrison over the English when the one is
commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and the other by a Captain.
Amongst the lower orders of Americans it is not usual to make
use of the surname of a military officer. It is "the Colonel"
or "the Captain."The
The settlers will attribute superior position
to Lieutenant Colonel Grey as compared with Captain Delacombe.
from a Civil
point of view. Captain Delacombe has no superior officer on the
Island and his Military influence would not be affected by the
change. I however beg to state that in a diplomatic point
of view I think it desirable that Captain Delacombe's request be
acceded to. The Colony is now hardly ever without the presence
of American Officers of highrank.
rank. We have lately received in
Victoria both the Naval and Military Commanders in Chief on the
Pacific Coast. Generals and Colonels are frequent visitors, and
nearly all go over to San Juan. Captains are so common that I
think it would be desirable to move Captain Delacombe out of the
Category. While the Island of San Juan isin
in its normal state,
the settlers will always believe in a slight superiority on the
part of the American Garrison over the English when the one is
commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and the other by a Captain.
Amongst the lower orders of Americans it is not usual to make
use of the surname of a military officer. It is "the Colonel"
or "the Captain."The
The settlers will attribute superior position
to Lieutenant Colonel Grey as compared with Captain Delacombe.
3. Your Grace will understand that I look upon the matter as
one concerning purely civil administration and diplomatic
influence. Nothing could be further from my wish than to
interfere with the internal arrangements of Her Majesty's Forces.
5. I
5. I add with pleasure that I have had every reason to be
satisfied with Captain Delacombe since he has been in command at
San Juan.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The question of raising the rank of our Officer in command at San Juan has already been referred to the Admiralty—see letter to them of 31 Aug. or F.O. 9064. Send copy to Admy with reference to that letter & say that the Duke of Buckingham would be glad to be informed what decision the Lords Commrs may arrive at?
The question of raising the rank of our Officer in command at San Juan has already been referred to the Admiralty—see letter to them of 31 Aug. or F.O. 9064. Send copy to Admy with reference to that letter & say that the Duke of Buckingham would be glad to be informed what decision the Lords Commrs may arrive at?
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
W.A. Delacombe to Seymour, 1 August 1868, asking for
recommendation that his rank be raised, with enclosure indicating
the degree of diplomatic interaction between the British and American
commanding officers on San Juan.
Printed copy of letter, Charles McCoy to Major H.A. Allen, American
Commander, expressing thanks and appreciation for services rendered
during his service on the island.
