Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Molesworth, William 12 December 1855, CO 305:6, no. 1477, 167.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Marginalia (1).
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 writes to Molesworth to transmit the
Minutes of the proceedings in the Council of this Colony[Vancouver Island], which discuss a ship robbery and crew desertion, general expenditures, the defense of
the Colony,and more.
In the minutes, Blackwood addresses the
defenceless state of the Island.
The file includes a copy of the Vancouver Island council minutes for 21 June 1855.
No. 28
I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information, Minutes
of the proceedings in the Council of this Colony, on and since the
21st day of June last.
You will observe that the sum of 102 dollars and 30 cents, was
voted for the purpose of paying the expenses incurred in apprehending
and committing to gaol, by the United States Commissioner, several
seamen belonging to the British Ship"Marquis of Bute"
"Marquis of Bute," who committed a
robbery on board and deserted from that ship, while lying at anchor, in
this Port. Part of the property which they carried off was recovered;
but the offenders were not delivered into our hands; having been
released by order of Governor Stevens, within the United States
Territory.
"Marquis of Bute," who committed a
robbery on board and deserted from that ship, while lying at anchor, in
this Port. Part of the property which they carried off was recovered;
but the offenders were not delivered into our hands; having been
released by order of Governor Stevens, within the United States
Territory.
The Council then proceeded to examine the outlay incurred on
account of the Colony for the past year, amounting to 3512.18.9, which
was ordered to be paid.
The defence of the Colony next occupied our consideration, and it
was resolved to raise a small force of ten men, to be at hand, in the
event of any emergency, during the residence of the Northern Savages in
the Colony.
This force does not imply much apprehension of danger from the natives.
That measure was however not fully carried out, in consequence of
the presence of Her Majesty's Ships, which led me to reduce the number
of men to four privates, and theirpay
pay to Two pounds Sterling a month.
pay to Two pounds Sterling a month.
The other matters considered by Council are the appropriations made
for the public service of the year, and the appointment of Commissioners
to superintend the construction of a road on the east side of the
Victoria Arm, for the convenience of the inhabitants settled in that
quarter.
The Right Honble Sir William Molesworth Bart
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
You will observe that on the 12th Decr some British Vessels of War were off this Settlement, and that the Governor seems under no apprehension from the natives. This satisfactory announcement will relieve Mr Labouchere from the uneasiness he entertained—occasioned by Letters of other correspondents dated from V.C. Island late in Novr last—with respect to the possibility of aggressions on the part of the Indians, & the very defenceless state of the Island, but I do not the less think it to have been a very prudent precaution on the part of Mr Labouchere to require the presence of a Ship of War whilst the Indians are in a hostile attitude in the American Territory. It is impossible to say on how slight a foundation a rising may occur amongst the Indians in V.C. Island, & especially if flushed by success in the neighborhood of the British Territory, & it wd be a very poor apology for the B. Govt, after having been warned of the state of affairs in Oregon, if our people were to be massacred, & no measures of defence, or protection had been ordered.
You will observe that on the 12th Decr some British Vessels of War were off this Settlement, and that the Governor seems under no apprehension from the natives. This satisfactory announcement will relieve Mr Labouchere from the uneasiness he entertained—occasioned by Letters of other correspondents dated from V.C. Island late in Novr last—with respect to the possibility of aggressions on the part of the Indians, & the very defenceless state of the Island, but I do not the less think it to have been a very prudent precaution on the part of Mr Labouchere to require the presence of a Ship of War whilst the Indians are in a hostile attitude in the American Territory. It is impossible to say on how slight a foundation a rising may occur amongst the Indians in V.C. Island, & especially if flushed by success in the neighborhood of the British Territory, & it wd be a very poor apology for the B. Govt, after having been warned of the state of affairs in Oregon, if our people were to be massacred, & no measures of defence, or protection had been ordered.
ABd
14 F
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Minutes of the Council of Vancouver Island, 21 June 1855, as per
despatch.