Shepherd to Labouchere
Hudson's Bay House
May 8th 1856
Sir
With reference to my communications of the 7th & 19th February on the subject of the Indian War in Oregon, I have now the honor to transmit Extract of a Despatch received by the last Mail from Governor Douglas, dated Victoria, Vancouver's Island, March 5th 1856.
Under the present critical state of affairs on the North West Coast, it would be very satisfactory to the Directors of the Hudson's Bay Company to learn that the "President" Frigate, as mentioned in Mr Phinn's communication, transmitted in Mr Ball's letter of the 8th March, had arrived at Vancouver's Island.
I have the honor to be, Sir
Your most obedt Servant
John Shepherd
Govr

The Right Honble Henry Labouchere
&c &c &c
Colonial Office
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
We have no report from the Admiralty of the "Presidents" arrival. For our own satisfaction it might be convenient to ask the Admy this question.
ABd 9/May
HM My 10
Draft.
JB 10 My
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Extract, Douglas to Secretary of the Hudson's Bay Company, 5 March 1856, reporting latest news of "The Indian war" in Oregon, and enclosing copies of correspondence with Isaac I. Stevens, Governor of Washington Territory, requesting supplies, "which places us in an awkward position, as a refusal to aid our neighbours in their extremity will excite a strong feeling in Oregon against the Company. . . . I have not had time to consider the question maturely, and propose to lay it before the Commissioned Gentlemen now present for their consideration and advice.
Manuscript image
Stevens to Douglas, 7 February 1856, introducing Captain R.S. Robinson, Commissary and Quartermaster for the Volunteer Service in Washington Territory.
Manuscript image
Douglas to Stevens, 6 March 1856, informing him the Hudson's Bay Company and other merchants were reluctant to advance goods to Robinson on the security of scrip.
Manuscript image
Robinson to Douglas, 20 February 1856, requesting supplies.
Manuscript image
Stevens to Douglas, 17 February 1856, asking to be informed of any movements of "the Northern Indians" towards the American settlements.
Manuscript image
Douglas to Stevens, 6 March 1856, advising that Indigenous peoples in the vicinity of Victoria appeared to have no hostile designs toward American settlements.