Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer to Douglas, James 31 July 1858, CO 410:1, 145.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Lytton stresses to Douglas that a condition of his new appointment as governor of BC is that not only must he relinquish all connections with the HBC, he must also drop any interest in the subsidiary, Puget Sound Agricultural Company.
Confidential
31 July 1858
As it is a matter of considerable importance both to Her Majesty's
Government and yourself that there should be a perfect understanding as
to the terms on which, if you should
so decide you would assume Office
under Imperial Authority. I think it right to state as it was omitted
on the last occasion that besides relinquishing directly or indirectly
all connexion with the Hudson's Bay Company it will be indispensible to
apply that condition equally to any interest you may possess in the
Puget Sound Company. It is most probable that you have understood the
offer contained in my Confidential Despatch of the 16th instant in
that sense: but I think it better now to guard against any possible
misconception on the subject by this additional explanation.
so decide you would assume Office
under Imperial Authority. I think it right to state as it was omitted
on the last occasion that besides relinquishing directly or indirectly
all connexion with the Hudson's Bay Company it will be indispensible to
apply that condition equally to any interest you may possess in the
Puget Sound Company. It is most probable that you have understood the
offer contained in my Confidential Despatch of the 16th instant in
that sense: but I think it better now to guard against any possible
misconception on the subject by this additional explanation.
It is due to you, to add that if after reflection, you should
entertain the persuasion that it will either not conduce to the public
interests, or your own to exchange your present position for
that of
Governor of British Columbia the ability you have displayed whilst
holding the Office of Governor of Vancouver's Island will not escape the
recollection of Her Majesty's Government should it be your wish on the
expiration of the Hudson's Bay Company's license next year to enter into
the service of the Crown in the Colonies.
that of
Governor of British Columbia the ability you have displayed whilst
holding the Office of Governor of Vancouver's Island will not escape the
recollection of Her Majesty's Government should it be your wish on the
expiration of the Hudson's Bay Company's license next year to enter into
the service of the Crown in the Colonies.
I have etc.