Grey writes Blanshard to transmit, along with copies of Blanshard's Commission and Instructions, a copy of a recently passed act regarding the administration of justice on Vancouver Island. Grey then discusses how the act, in concert with the Commission and Instructions, will
affect Blanshard's legal power and reach.
Downing Street
15 Sept. 1849
Sir,
I now transmit to you a copy of an Act passed in the last Session
for the administration of Justice in Vancouvers Island, together with
printed copies of your Commission and Instructions.
The object of the Act was to remove as far, as Vancouver's Island
is concerned, the restrictive force of certainprovisions provisions respecting
the Administration of Justice in the "North West, or Indian"
Territories of North America, contained in two former Acts, of which
copies are likewise forwarded.
And the effect of it in conjunction with your Commission and
Instructions will be to give you power for the present to make such
provisions as you may consider most advisable both for the apprehension
ofof offenders and the Trial of Prisoners, and the conduct of Civil Cases,
subject, however, to the power which the Legislature of the Island will
hereafter be able to exercise in altering such provisions.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Grey