Colvile, Andrew Wedderburn to Grey, Right Honorable Second Baronet Sir George 18 December 1850, CO 305:2, no. 10275, 341.

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Colvile, Andrew Wedderburn to Grey, George 18 December 1850, CO 305:2, no. 10275, 341.

Abstract

Public Offices document. Minutes (4).

This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.

Colvile acknowledges the receipt of Hawes's letter that requests the measures the HBC plans to take to protect Vancouver Island's settlers. Colvile asserts that the HBC has never found serious difficulty in protecting the Servants and property of the Company, particularly from Indigenous populations, and that through prudent conduct the restoration of good relations will, eventually, result. Finally, Colvile reports that the Tory will soon bring agricultural and other Servants to the Island.

In the minutes, Jadis asks why, if they are confident in present security measures, does the HBC request frequent Navy visits to the Island? Merivale agrees with Jadis's question, and adds that Indian alarms often subside as suddenly as they arise. Hawes agrees, but sees an advantage, regardless of circumstance, of the occasional Navy visit.

10,275. Vancouver's Island

Hudsons Bay House
London,

Decemr 18. 1850

My Lord

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Hawes's letter of the 11th Instant, (addressed to Sir J.H. Pelly, the Governor, who is unfortunately absent from indisposition) desiring to be informed whether the Hudsons's Bay Company contemplate adopting any measures for a more permanent protection to the people in Vancouver's Island than can be afforded by the occasional visits of Her Majesty's Ships of war; In reply to which I have to state that we have never found any serious difficulty in protecting the Servants and property of the Company from hostile attacks of Indians, and we have every confidence that a continuance of that temperate and prudent conduct towards them, which is the rule and practice of the Service, will be the means of restoring a good understanding with the tribes in Vancouver's Island with whom it may be

necessary to maintain intercourse. By the Ship "Tory" which sailed from hence on the 8th Ultimo we sent out a considerable number of agricultural and other Servants to Vancouver Island, and we do not consider it necessary to do more at present. —

I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordships obedient
humble Servant
A Colvile
Dy Govr

The Rt Honble Earl Grey
&c &c

Minutes by CO staff

Mr Merivale.
This Statement ill accords with the account sent home by the Govr See 9564. If the Company feel such confidence in their ability to restore order why ask for the frequent visits of a Ship of War?

19 Decr

It is certainly questionable: but Indian alarms often subside as suddenly as they arise. At all events I do not see that there is any present occasion for answering this letter?

HM D 21

D 23. I think so. The occasional visit of a Ship of War must be of obvious advantage, even under ordinary circes.

Put by.

G. 24

People in this document

Colvile, Andrew Wedderburn

Grey, George

Grey, Henry George

Hawes, Benjamin

Jadis, Vane

Merivale, Herman

Pelly, John Henry