Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 17 August 1854, CO 305:5, no. 9424, 105.

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Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 17 August 1854, CO 305:5, no. 9424, 105.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (7), Other documents (2), Marginalia (4).

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.

Douglas transmits to Newcastle the minutes from the Vancouver Island council, which discuss expenses for the Colonial School, colonial infrastructure, the potential for Russian aggression, the Island’s defences in light of the same, and An Act prohibiting the Gift or Sale of intoxicating liquors to Indians.

The minutes scold Douglas for blending three subjects in one despatch and, among other points related to colonial finance, assert that [t]here is nothing unconstitutional in the Governor a[nd] Council of Vancouver's Island appropriating money.

The first document included in the file is a draft letter from the Colonial Office to Mundy, which inquires into the charter of the Otter for £7,200 per year. The second is a draft reply from Grey to Douglas, with extensive minutes, which discusses the possible use of the Otter for Vancouver Island’s protection.

No. 35

Victoria Vancouver's Island

17th August 1854

My Lord Duke,

I herewith transmit for the information of Her Majesty's Government, Minutes of the proceedings in the Council of this Colony on and since the 12th day of July last.

Your Grace will observe that several small sums of money were appropriated for the payment of certain expenses, incurred about the Colonial School, for necessary improvements, and that the sum of £50 Sterling was granted for the relief of Mr Barr the Teacher, whose salary of £60 a year is unsufficient for his support.

Your

Your Grace will also observe that the sum of £1500 in all was voted by the Council in three sums of £500 each, to be applied to the erection of a Court House, a Church, and to the construction of roads and bridges. It is not supposed that those sums are sufficient to accomplish more than a small part of the objects proposed, but even to that extent, it was considered important to commence a course of improvements, that might encourage the settlement of the Country, and give employment to the disposable labour in the Colony.

2. The defence of the country against the direct or indirect aggression of Russia, is a subject, forced by circumstances upon our attention.

Extract to War Dept.

The Colony can do little if left to its own resources, and we must trust for protection to Her Majesty's Government.

The

The people were much alarmed at the idea of a descent by the Russians, or rather by predatory vessels, acting under the authority of letters of marque, and it was to guard against that danger, that it was thought expedient in the absence of Her Majesty's Ships, to charter the Hudson's Bay Company's Propeller "Otter", as a guard ship, for the protection of the Colony.

That measure of defence will cost about £600 a month

£7200 per ann.!

which I presume will be defrayed by Her Majesty's Government, as in the Grant of Vancouver's Island to the Hudson's Bay Company, it is provided that the Governor and Company are, to defray the entire expense of any civil and military establishments which may be required, for the protection and Government of such settlements, (except nevertheless during the time of hostilities, between Great Britain, and any foreign European or American power), a proviso which directly applies to the present circumstancesof

of the Empire, and I shall therefore be happy to have your Grace's instructions in reference to the payment of that outlay.

3. I have also the honor to transmit herewith copy of "An Act prohibiting the Gift or Sale of intoxicating liquors to Indians",

Extract to Mr Wood.

which passed the Council on the 3rd day of August, and has been strictly enforced, with a most salutory effect, in respect to the Indian population among whom, the vice of intemperance was spreading to an alarming extent, to the great annoyance of the peaceful inhabitants, whose lives and property are endangered through the excesses of savages, maddened by the excitement of drink.

I trust that the provisions of this act, and the other matters referred to in this communication will meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government.

I have the honor to be
Your Grace's most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor

The Right Honble The Duke of Newcastle
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department

Minutes by CO staff

Mr Merivale
The Governor should not have blended these three subjects in one despatch, but should have written 2, if not three despatches. With respect to the first topic it will probably be most advisable to take no notice of it as we hold

here that Money cannot be constitutionally raised in Van Couver's Island without an Assembly of Freeholders—a body however, which it is, at present, impossible to create there.

2. The second topic—the defence of the Settlement at an expense of £7200 per annum—should, I presume, be referred to the Secretary of State for War; and the

3rd being the copy of the act prohibiting the gift or sale of intoxicating liquors to Indians shd be registered & referred to Messrs Wood & Rogers.

ABd 27 Octr

Mr Blackwood
The first point was referred some weeks ago to the Law Advisers: has there been an answer?

HM O 28

It has not.

ABd 28 Oct

Follow the above minute?

HM O 30

1. There is nothing unconstitutional in the Governor a[nd] Council of Vancouver's Island appropriating money. A doubt has been raised whether they can impose taxes,

This is my meaning.

ABd

but the Colony has a Revenue from Crown land Licences & the Cutting of timber: and this Revenue can of course be appropriated by the Crown. There is nothing in the despatches to show that the money here voted is paid out of taxes.

In other respects Mr Blackwood's Minute May be followed.

FP 3 Nov

GG 4

Minutes by CO staff

I do not understand this draft. Gov Douglas despatch of the 16 of May was answered months ago (5 Augt) and does not contain one word upon the subject of Chartering a Vessel.