Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Scudamore, Frank Ives to Rogers, Frederic 10 August 1868, CO 60:34, no. 8666, 282.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (2).
Scudamore transmits a letter from the
Postmaster General of the United States,regarding an arrangement requested by the Government of British Columbia to transmit
closed mails despatched from British Columbia to Englandvia Portland, Oregon rather than via San Francisco. Scudamore enquires whether Seymour has sent any despatches on the subject of transmitting mail via Portland rather than San Francisco. Robinson’s minute describes what information the Colonial Office has received from Seymour and suggests how to respond to Scudamore.
Scudamore to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
General Post Office
10 August 1868
Sir,
I am directed by the Duke of Montrose to transmit to you the
enclosed copy of a letter which has been received from the
Postmaster General of the United States, referring to an
arrangement which, at the request of the Government of British
Columbia, has been made for the transmission via Portland in
Oregon, instead of viâ San Francisco, of closed mails despatched
from British Columbia to England.
Before
Before taking any steps for sending Mails from this country to
British Columbia by the same route, I am directed by His Grace
to enquire whether H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies
has received any despatch from the Governor of British Columbia
on the subject, stating the advantage of the new arrangement and
what means have been provided for conveying the Mails in
question between Portland and Victoria.
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
There is no
other information in the Dt than that contained
in 11765 Govr 1867 & the previous correspondence annexed.
There is no
other information in the Dt than that contained
in 11765 Govr 1867 & the previous correspondence annexed.
See 8532. It is possible that when the despatch there referred
to arrives we may be in a position to answer the P.O.
So answer.
WR
11/8/68
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Joseph H. Blackfan, Chief Clerk, U.S. Post Office Department, to
Postmaster General, London, 23 July 1868, respecting the routing
of mails from Victoria to England via Portland, Salt Lake City,
and New York.
Other documents included in the file
Rogers to Secretary to the General Post Office, 15 August 1868,
stating that the Secretary of State expected, but had not
yet received, a despatch from the governor respecting postal
arrangements.
Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 62, 15 August 1868 transmitting the letter from Britain’s postmaster general regarding an
arrangement with the Post Office authorities of the United Statesand British Columbia for transmitting mail via Portland, Oregon, and asking for information so Buckingham can respond to Britain’s postmaster general.