Hudson's Bay House
June 28th 1852
My Lord,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 26th Instant transmitting the Copy of a letter received by Sir John Pakington from the Earl of Malmesbury together with its enclosures, on the subject of Queen Charlotte's Island, and requesting to be informed whether, in the opinion of the Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company, it would be desirable that a Commission should issue to the Governor of Vancouver's Island to be Lieutenant Governor of Queen Charlotte's Island, and whether the services of Mr Douglas could be available in that capacity.
In reply to which I beg to acquaint your Lordship that it appears to the Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company exceedingly desirable that theManuscript imagethe Governor of Vancouver's Island should receive the proposed appointment.
There is nothing in the circumstance of the present Governor of that Island holding an employment under the Company, which stands in the way of such an appointment, or which would prevent his services from being available for carrying into effect the views of Her Majesty's Government.
I have the honour to be
My Lord
Your Lordships mo. obedt Servant
J.H. Pelly

The Right Honble
The Earl of Desart
Minutes by CO staff
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ABd 2 July
Transmit now the Commn of Lieut Govr to the Govr of Vanr Island, with a despatch explaining its object. and empower him at the same time if he should find it practicable & advisable to grant licence for collecting the gold on the principles of those granted in the Australian colonies. And communicate these intended instructions to the Treasury?
HM Jy 2
Proceed as proposed.
JSP 5
Other documents included in the file
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Draft, Colonial Office to Trevelyan, Treasury, 12 August 1852, forwarding copy of instructions to Douglas as lieutenant governor of Queen Charlotte Island, for approval.
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Draft, Colonial Office to Hamilton, Admiralty, 12 August 1852, forwarding copy of instructions to Douglas as lieutenant governor of Queen Charlotte Island, for information.