No. 119
25th August 1870
My Lord,
I have the honor to forward to Your Lordship a copy of a Letter which I have received from Captain Delacombe, transmitting an Address which he has received from the residents on San Juan and other Islands claiming British protection.
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2. Reference is made in this Address to some circumstances connected with a proposal that the local Rank of Lieut. Colonel should be conferred upon Captain Delacombe, which took place before my arrival in the Colony. The matter was brought under the notice of Your Lordship's Predecessor in Governor's Seymour's Despatches, Separate 1st August 1868 and Confidential 14th December 1868.
3. Rear AdmiralHastingsManuscript image Hastings, then in command on this Station, withheld the proposed local promotion from Captain Delacombe, who I imagine has been somewhat disappointed in consequence. Rear Admiral Farquhar I am informed is disposed to recommend to the Lords of the Admiralty that the rank should be conferred.
4. The matter is not one with which I have any special concern; but as it is probable that the question may be referred to Your Lordship by the Lords oftheManuscript image the Admiralty, it may not be improper to state that I concur in the remarks made upon the subject by Governor Seymour in his Despatch Separate of the 1st August, 1868.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
A. Musgrave
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Rank of British Officer Commanding at San Juan. Copy to Admiralty for consideration, with reference to our letter of the 23rd March/69 on 2922.
RSM 4/10/70
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Yes. There is some appearance of more than meets the eye in the whole affair. A little personal or professional bias.
FR 6/10
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Refer to Admiralty.
K Oct 7/70
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Captain W.A. Delacombe to Musgrave, 13 August 1870, asking that he be given advanced rank and enclosing an address from the inhabitants of the San Juan Islands on the subject (address not on microfilm).
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C. McMillan to Delacombe, 13 July 1870, enclosing an address signed by British inhabitants of the disputed islands.
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Delacombe to McMillan, 15 July 1870, acknowledging his letter and the enclosed address.
Other documents included in the file
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Rogers to Secretary to the Admiralty, 11 October 1870, forwarding copy of the despatch and address for consideration.