Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Labouchere, Henry 9 January 1857, CO 305:8, no. 2424, 2.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (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 informs the Colonial Office that there is
nothing of much importance respecting the Colony to communicate,except that relations with the indigenous community was
quiet and friendlyand that winter weather was burdening the livestock but no loss of cattle was anticipated.
The minutes remark that the
continued good relations with the nativesis
really very satisfactory.
Enclosed is a draft reply acknowledging the receipt of Douglas’s despatch.
No. 1
1. There is nothing of much importance respecting the Colony to
communicate.
2. Peace and plenty reign throughout the settlements. Trade is
rather dull, yet there is nowant
want of employment for the labouring
classes in the Colony.
want of employment for the labouring
classes in the Colony.
3. The native Indian Tribes are quiet and friendly in their
deportment and intercourse with the settlers. In fact not a single
complaint has been made against any Indian of this Colony, for the last
two months.
4. The cold weather set in with the beginning of the year, and the
ground is now covered with snow to the depth of between 6 and 10 inches,
on the sea coast, and much over that depth in the interior of the
Island.
5. The live stock on the snow covered pasturesare
are suffering from
the weather, but I am informed that the greater part of the domestic
cattle are comfortably housed and well supplied with fodder. No loss of
cattle from the severity of the weather is therefore anticipated.
are suffering from
the weather, but I am informed that the greater part of the domestic
cattle are comfortably housed and well supplied with fodder. No loss of
cattle from the severity of the weather is therefore anticipated.
Trusting that the Colony may continue in a prosperous state.
The Right Honble Henry Labouchere
Her Majestys principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Her Majestys principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Minutes by CO staff
Other documents included in the file
