Northcote to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Hudson's Bay House
London
October 11th 1870
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose an Extract of a letter from Mr James A. Grahame the representative of the Hudson's Bay Company in Vancouver's Island dated Victoria September 2nd, in which he points out that a trade in Spirituous liquor is being carried on all along the North West Coast of British America in Schooners that clear from the port of Victoria and take on board liquor outsidetheManuscript image the Harbour. Mr Grahame complains that while the Company pay heavy duties on all the goods imported by them they receive no assistance from the Colonial Government in trying to prevent parties from trading Spirits with the Indians on the Coast.
The Subject is one which the Company have had frequently brought under their notice, and being satisfied that this illegal traffic is carried on to a large extent the Committee request thatyouManuscript image you will have the goodness to move the Earl of Kimberley to take such steps as may appear to His Lordship to be necessary to check, if not effectually to prevent trade in Spirits with the Indians on the North West Coast of America. I need not dwell upon its demoralizing effects upon the Indians, nor upon the dangers and difficulties experienced by the Company's officers in carrying on with them a comparatively unprofitable trade under such circumstances.
I have the honor to be,
Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Stafford H. Northcote
Govr
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Illegal sale of Liquor to Indians, notwithstanding the severe Act No 28 of '67.
Copy to Govr for report, and inform the Hudson's Bay Co that this has been done.
RSM 12/10/70
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With a strong expression of opinion that it is the duty of the Govt to exert itself in the prevention of this Trade.
FR 12/10
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Yes. Let me see draft.
K Oct 14/70
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Extract, Chief Factor James A. Grahame to W.G. Smith, Secretary, Hudson's Bay Company, 2 September 1870, reporting situation as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Kimberley to Musgrave, No. 29, 20 October 1870.
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Herbert to Northcote, 20 October 1870, advising that the matter had been referred to the governor for report.