Seymour, Governor Frederick to Grenville, Richard 12 December 1868, CO 60:33, no. 835, 648.

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Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 12 December 1868, CO 60:33, no. 835, 648.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (2), Marginalia (1).

Seymour relates why Hankin will not initially be accepted as British Columbia’s colonial secretary. Seymour describes his personal experience of initially not being given his assigned post in Tasmania. Blake’s minute suggests seeing sub: 63/5586/69.

Confidential

Victoria

12th December 1868

My Lord Duke,

In my despatch, Confidential of 16th November, I mention that Mr Young will, ex officio, as acting Colonial Secretary conductthe

the business of the Legislative Session about to be held.

2. Mr Hankin has not arrived on this coast, and I fear that if he had it would have been impossible for him to carry on the Public work satisfactorily. The labours of the last six weeks would have to be repeated in a condensed form to instruct him sufficiently to meet aLegislative

Legislative Body far from willing to give him support.

I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour

[P.S.] If it may appear somewhat harsh upon Lt Hankin, his not stopping public business by inducting him at once into the office of Colonial Secretary,

Which I suppose means he will not induct him until the Legislative business is over.

I can only say that I have a precedent in my own case. I proceeded, with the Royal Warrant, to Van Diemen's Land

to hold the appointment of Assistant Colonial Secretary. The Governor did not think I was fit for it at once & put me for some months under the training of the Gentleman I was sent out from England to supersede.