Phinn, Thomas to Merivale, Herman 31 October 1855, CO 305:6, no. 10202, 226.

XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Public Offices document
Phinn, Thomas to Merivale, Herman 31 October 1855, CO 305:6, no. 10202, 226.

Abstract

Public Offices document. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).

Phinn writes to Merivale, on behalf of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to forward a copy of Bruce’s report on his visit to Vancouver Island, which argues for the superiority of Esquimalt over Victoria for the site of a settlement.

A minute from Blackwood suggests that Phinn’s correspondence be reserved for future reference, and Merivale asks that Phinn’s documents be sent to the HBC.

The first of the two documents included in the file is a draft reply from Palmerston to Colvile, which forwards a copy of Phinn’s despatch; the second is Bruce’s report to the Admiralty on his visit to Vancouver Island.

Phinn to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Admiralty

31 Oct. 1855

Sir,

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you a copy of a despatch from Rear Admiral Bruce, reporting his having visited Vancouver's Island, & pointing out the superiority of Esquimalt over Victoria for the site of a settlement; and I am to request you will call theattention

attention of the Secretary of State to the points relating to the disposal of land at Esquimalt so particularly referred to in the Rear Admiral's letter; & to suggest whether it would not be better to resume the sites most appropriate for an establishment for the supply of Her Majesty's Ships.

I am Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
Thos. Phinn

Herman Merivale Esq.

Minutes by CO staff

Mr Merivale
This information may be valuable hereafter; at present I am not aware that it can be turned to any useful purpose. Shall this be reserved for future reference?

ABd 3 Novr

Communicate to the H.B.C. I think.

HM N 3

Yes.

P 4/11-55

Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)

H.W. Bruce to Ralph Osborne, Admiralty, 11 September 1855, reporting on his recent visit to Vancouver Island, with an acccount of the condition of the colony and emphasizing the superiority of Esquimalt Harbour over that of Victoria.