Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 11 May 1854, CO 305:5, no. 6344, 58.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1), Marginalia (2).
Douglas writes to Newcastle to acknowledge the receipt of Newcastle's despatch that transmitted a letter from Cooper, which discussed Douglas’s liquor-sale resolution. Douglas notes that Cooper will be informed that all future communications “must conform to the established
rule of Colonial correspondence.”
The minutes note that the disagreement between Douglas and Cooper has subsided and that no further action will be taken on the matter. Blackwood adds that Cooper, as "almost the only man in V. Couver's Island who is independent of the H.B. Co." should "be encouraged to speak out."
No. 13
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 16th April
last, of your Grace's Despatch dated 8th February 1853, transmitting
copy of a letter from Mr James Cooper relative to a resolution moved
by me at a meeting of the Council of Government of Vancouver's Island on
the 5th of October 1853,
expressive of the opinion of Council as to the impropriety of its
Members retailing spirituous liquors or following any calling subversive
of order, or injurious to public morals.
According
1852?
According to your Grace's instructions on that head I shall
acquaint Mr Cooper that whenever any representation affecting his
position in the Council is submitted to your Grace, no decision will be
pronounced in the case, until any statements or explanations which he
may desire to offer, are brought before you, and also that your Grace
wishes it to be understood that in future all parties having
representations to make must conform to the established rule of Colonial
correspondence.
It is I presume unnecessary for me to make any remarks on the
subject of Mr Cooper's letter, as I made no representation affecting
Mr Cooper's position as a Member of Council,
and your Grace will perceive that the motive, which influenced me in
moving the resolution referred to in his letter, was a desire to promote
the public good, and to increase the influence and respectability of the
Council.
Was he or was he not, a retail dealer in spirits?
I have the honor to be
Your Grace's most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor Vancouver's Island
Your Grace's most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor Vancouver's Island
His Grace The Right Honble The Duke of Newcastle
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
As no complaint has been preferred by either party against the other I think it wd be desirable for the peace of this small community to let the correspondence drop. At the same time I consider it very advisable to uphold Mr Cooper, when it is right so to do, as he is almost the only man in V. Couver's Island who is independent of the H.B. Co. & should be encouraged to speak out.
As no complaint has been preferred by either party against the other I think it wd be desirable for the peace of this small community to let the correspondence drop. At the same time I consider it very advisable to uphold Mr Cooper, when it is right so to do, as he is almost the only man in V. Couver's Island who is independent of the H.B. Co. & should be encouraged to speak out.
ABd
25 July
I own I cannot understand the case. If the resolution stands on
the minutes, it seems to be one "affecting Mr Cooper's character as a member of Council." And considering the great delay which has occurred owing to the incomprehensible detention of all our despatches, it is best probably simply to acknowledge, with the expression of satisfaction that the difference appears to have subsided.
the minutes, it seems to be one "affecting Mr Cooper's character as a member of Council." And considering the great delay which has occurred owing to the incomprehensible detention of all our despatches, it is best probably simply to acknowledge, with the expression of satisfaction that the difference appears to have subsided.
