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Public Offices document
Shepherd,John to Labouchere, Henry 8 May 1856, CO 305:7, no. 4155, 342.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (6).
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.
Shepherd writes to Labouchere, sending him the Extract of a Despatch received by the last Mail from Governor Douglas. Shepherd asks for confirmation that the frigate President has arrived on Vancouver Island.
The minutes report that the President has not arrived.
File contains an extract from Douglas to HBC Secretary of latest news from the American Indian War. Letter from Stevens to Douglas, introducing Robinson. Letter from Douglas to Stevens, telling that the HBC and other merchants were reluctant to advance goods to Robinson. Letter from Robinson to Douglas requesting supplies. Letter from Stevens to Douglas, asking to be informed of any movements of ‘the Northern Indians’ towards the American settlements. Letter from Douglas to Stevens, speaking of the aboriginals around Victoria having no hostile designs against the American settlements.
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)
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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.
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Stevens to Douglas, 7 February 1856, introducing Captain R.S. Robinson, Commissary and Quartermaster for the Volunteer Service in Washington Territory.
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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.
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Robinson to Douglas, 20 February 1856, requesting supplies.
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Stevens to Douglas, 17 February 1856, asking to be informed of any movements of "the Northern Indians" towards the American settlements.
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Douglas to Stevens, 6 March 1856, advising that Indigenous peoples in the vicinity of Victoria appeared to have no hostile designs toward American settlements.