52, Herbert Street
Shepherdess Walk,
Hoxton
Sep. 30, 1852
Sir John,
I have the honour to inform you that I have received a letter from my nephew the Rev. R.J. Staines, Chaplain of Victoria, Vancouver's Island, communicating various particulars respecting the discovery of gold in Queen Charlotte's Island, and detailing some transactions of a questionable character, which he regards as affecting the rights and interests of the British Crown. His letter is dated July 6.
Mr Staines has forwardedManuscript image specimens of the gold by different hands for the inspection of the British Government. He has corresponded on the subject with H.B.M. Consul General of the Pacific, having been previously requested by that functionary to forward all attainable information respecting Queen Charlotte's Island and the adjacent coasts. He has also been in communication with H.B.M. Consul at San Francisco, and through him with the British Admiral, who, on receiving the particulars forwarded, dispatched H.M. Ship Thetis to Queen Charlotte's Island.
Under the impression, however, that his letter to me might possibly anticipate other communications,Manuscript image Mr Staines suggests the propriety of my taking measures to lay it before the Colonial Office. Should you be pleased to forward me any directions upon this subject, I should be happy to attend to them.
I have the honour to be,
Sir John,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Thomas Boys,
Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Hoxton

The Right Honorable
Sir John S. Pakington, Bart.
&c. &c. &c.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
The information from Capn Kuper being more recent than the 6 July I almost think we might dispense with the communication which this Gentleman offers. But there is no harm in having too much intelligence & if you think it advisable that we should be furnished with what Mr Staines has to communicate a draft can be prepared accly.
ABd 1 Oct
Annex draft, saying Sir J.P. will be obliged by the communication.
HM O 2
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Colonial Office to Boys, 9 October 1852, stating that Pakington would be pleased to receive the communication in question.