Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
O'Brien-Stafford, Augustus Stafford to Merivale, Herman 4 November 1852, CO 305:3, no. 10161, 296.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (7), Other documents (1).
Stafford, on behalf of the Admiralty, sends Merivale a copy of Moresby’s letter and enclosures regarding Kuper’s report on the Thetis’ proceedings in the Queen Charlotte Islands and Vancouver Island.
The minutes conclude that the HBC should receive Kuper’s report only, and not Moresby’s comments on the HBC’s failures as colonizers in the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Among the numerous enclosures is Kuper’s report to Moresby, a copy of this report to Barclay, Kuper’s acknowledgement of Moresby’s orders (as seen in this despatch), and Moresby’s letter to Douglas regarding the Thetis. There is also documents unrelated to the content of the letter and minutes, including
a report from the HMS Swift and a record of spars in Port Rupert.
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
you herewith for the information of Secretary Sir John Pakington Copies
of a Letter from Rear Adml Moresby dated the 14th of September
last No 91 and of its several enclosures reporting the proceedings of
Her Majestys Ship Thetis at Queen Charlotte's and Vancouver's Islands.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Should copies be sent to the Hudson's Bay Company in continuation of the former papers referred to them?
Should copies be sent to the Hudson's Bay Company in continuation of the former papers referred to them?
VJ
10 Novr
Extract of Capt. Kuper's report I think, down to the middle of
par. 21 as marked to the H.B.C. There seems no occasion for sending
them the Captain's 
views of their ill success as colonizers. it can
only provoke controversy. I fear there is no doubt of their truth.
views of their ill success as colonizers. it can
only provoke controversy. I fear there is no doubt of their truth.
The account of Q. Charlotte's Island is more particular than we
have hitherto received. It leaves the gold prospects still uncertain,
but probabilities are evidently against them.
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Barclay, Hudson's Bay Company,
29 November 1852, forwarding extract of Kuper's report.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Kuper to Moresby, 20 July 1852, reporting
on his recent tour of duty to Vancouver Island and Queen Charlotte Island.
List of "Spars of Douglas Red Pine lying ready for Embarkation at Port Rupert," no date, giving the number, diameter, and length.
