Waddington to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Whitehall
16 March 1853
Sir,
I am directed by Viscount Palmerston to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a Letter which has been received from Mr Henry Bright suggesting the formation of a Penal Settlement at Vancouver's Island. And I am to request that you will lay the same before the Duke of Newcastle and move His Grace to favor Lord PalmerstonwithManuscript image with any observations which He may have to offer thereon.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant
H. Waddington
H. Merivale Esqre
&c &c &c
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
Answer, as in a recent case, that it is not advisable at present to entertain projects of this nature?
VJ 21 March
TFE 21/3
N 22
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Colonial Office to Waddington, 31 March 1853, stating that Newcastle "does not consider that it is at present advisable to entertain any propositions of this nature."
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Henry Bright to Home Office, 3 March 1853, suggesting that Vancouver Island might be an ideal place to establish a convict colony.