Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Waddington, H. to Merivale, Herman 16 March 1853, CO 305:4, no. 3432, 205.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Waddington writes to Merivale, as directed to by Palmerston, to forward a copy of a letter from Bright, which suggests Vancouver Island as an ideal location for a penal colony. Further, Waddington asks that Merivale lay Bright’s letter before Newcastle, for comment.
The minutes suggest to inform Waddington that penal colonies, and similar projects, are not advisable, at present.
This file encloses (1) a letter from the Colonial Office to Waddington, that states that Newcastle advises against penal colonies and like schemes, at present; and (2) Bright’s letter to the Home Office that suggests Vancouver Island as an ideal location to establish a
Convict Colony.
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 Palmerstonwith
with any
observations which He may have to offer thereon.
with any
observations which He may have to offer thereon.
Minutes by CO staff
Other documents included in the file
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)
Henry Bright to Home Office, 3 March 1853, suggesting that
Vancouver Island might be an ideal place to establish a convict colony.