Grey, Third Earl Henry George to Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James 4 February 1852, LAC RG7:G8C/1, 41.

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Despatch from London
Grey, Henry George to Douglas, James 4 February 1852, LAC RG7:G8C/1, 41.

Abstract

Despatch from London.

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.

Grey’s letter to Douglas acknowledges Douglas’ prior report on Vancouver Island, which includes the status of missionary work, the discovery of gold at Haida Gwaii, and the council appointment of Finlayson.

No. 4

Downing Street

4 February 1852

Sir

I have received and perused with satisfaction your Despatch of the 31st October last, reporting upon the general state of the settlement of Vancouvers Island.

I approve of your selection of Mr Frederic [Roderick] Finlayson to fill the office of Councillor, and the necessary Warrant for his appointment will be transmitted to you by anearly

early opportunity.

I have also brought under the notice of the Church Missionary Society your observations respecting the moral instruction of the Native Tribes, with a view to ascertaining whether it may not be in the power of the Society to send out Missionaries to the Settlement.

With regard to the discovery of Gold on the West Coast of Queen Charlotte's Island, I do not consider that it would beexpedient

expedient to issue any prohibitions against the resort thither of Foreign Vessels. Were there no other objection to such a step it would be a sufficient reason against it that Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to send there a force to give effect to the prohibition.