No. 4
7&Sth March 1856
Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a petition, which was presented to me yesterday, by a deputation of the most respectable inhabitants of this Colony, praying that I would make a formal application thatManuscript imagethat one of Her Majesty's ships should be sent here, for their protection.
In my Despatch No 3 of the 1st of Instant I communicated my opinion in respect to the state of the Colony, and the causes which exist for alarm on the part of the inhabitants, and will only remark in regard to this petition that its object appears to be just and reasonable, and therefore I recommend it to the attention of Her Majesty's Government.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
James Douglas
Governor

The Right Honble Sir George Grey Bart.
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department.
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Merivale
Answer that in the month of Feby last Mr Labouchere, forseeing the importance of protecting the Settlement, requested the L.C. Admiralty to despatch a Ship of War there, & that "the President," frigate having in consequence been ordered to repair to V.C.I. Mr Labouchere trusts that the apprehensions of the Colonists as to an attack upon them by the Indians will be removed.
ABd 6/5
& copies to Admiralty, I think.
HM May 7
JB 8 My
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Labouchere to Douglas, No. 10, 14 May 1856.
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Draft, Merivale to Secretary to the Admiralty, 17 May 1856, forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosure, and asking to be informed of the current position of the President.
Minutes by CO staff
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See 4155 V.Couvers Isld.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Petition from inhabitants of Vancouver Island to Douglas, 6 March 1856, as per despatch (17 signatures).