Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 8 August 1868, CO 60:33, no. 9939, 240.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Other documents (2).
Seymour forwards
a Schedule of Despatches,which Seymour has not answered for
more than a Monthand lists the despatches, which Seymour has sent and Buckingham has not answered
for more than five months.Cox’s minute discusses the progress of Buckingham’s responses to the despatches Seymour has referenced. Elliot’s minute discusses how to move forward with a response regarding despatch 66, which discusses providing assistance to a company in British Columbia to build a dock on Vancouver Island. Buckingham’s minute notes that the Admiralty is aware of the request for assistance to build a dock on Vancouver Island and describes how to respond to Seymour.
No. 98
Victoria
8th August 1868
My Lord Duke,
In obedience to the command conveyed in Your Graces Circular
Despatch of the 5th of May, I have the honor to forward a
Schedule of Despatches received by me which appear to haveremained
remained unanswered for more than a Month.
No. 3 of 20 January 1868.
Circular Despatch of the 6th January 1868.
Circular Despatch of the 6th May 1868.
remained unanswered for more than a Month.
No. 3 of 20 January 1868.
Circular Despatch of the 6th January 1868.
Circular Despatch of the 6th May 1868.
2. The Despatches sent by me to the Secretary of State which
appear to have remained unanswered for more than five months are,
No 90 of 15 July 1867 respecting Financial position of the
Colony and asking for assistance.
No
No 66 of 13th April 1867, recommending that assistance
be given to the Vancouver Island Dock Company for the work they
propose to undertake.
No 162 of 13th December 1867. Financial difficulties.
No
No 66 of 13th April 1867, recommending that assistance
be given to the Vancouver Island Dock Company for the work they
propose to undertake.
No 162 of 13th December 1867. Financial difficulties.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The Governors despatches No 90 & 162 has been disposed of.
The Governors despatches No 90 & 162 has been disposed of.
In regard to No 66 I send it on to you and call
attention to the Minutes on it. I am not aware of any further
communication with the Admiralty, beyond sending them a copy of
Govr Seymour's despatch of the 11 Feb. 1868 (herewith) with
reference to the construction of a large Dock—and their answer 4773.
CC
11 Sept
This is a question arising on an arrear list. The Governor in
a list of arrears notes a despatch from him No 66 of 13
April 1867, recommending that assistance be given to a local
Company for forming a Vancouver Island Dock.
As a matter of correspondence it seems to me that the proper
course to take with No 66 is to refer it to the Admiralty
and to request to be informed whether or not their Lordships
feel disposed to grant any assistance to the Vancouver Island
Dock Company mentioned in the Governor's despatch.
If
If my opinion be desired, I have the most decided conviction that
for England to erect any defensive works at Vancouver Island
would be madness, and without defensive works the Naval
Authorities have told us that they would not think it advisable
to create a Naval Dock and Arsenal.
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 80, 26 September 1868 informing Seymour that “Despatch No. 66 has been communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.”
