Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer to Douglas, James 14 August 1858, CO 410:1, 158.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Lytton promises to send Douglas
An Act to provide for the Government of British Columbiabut in the meantime expects Douglas to govern as he deems
absolutely necessaryin adherence to the
principles of British Law.
No. 7
14 August 1858
I have to transmit to you for the information and guidance, copy of
an Act which had received Her Majesty's assent, entitled "An Act to
provide for the Government of British Columbia."
There has not been as yet time to furnish you by this Mail with the
necessary order in Council, Commission and Instructions to yourself as
Governor, which are necessary in order to complete your legal powers.
You will continue nevertheless to act during the brief interval
before their arrival as you have hitherto done, as the authorized
representative of Her Majesty's Government in the Territory of British
Columbia, and take without hesitation such steps as you may deem
absolutely
necessary for the Government of the Territory and as are not
repugnant to the principles of British Law. But you will do so in
conformity with the directions which I transmit to you on several
subjects by my despatches of even date herewith, and in such others as
you may receive from me.
necessary for the Government of the Territory and as are not
repugnant to the principles of British Law. But you will do so in
conformity with the directions which I transmit to you on several
subjects by my despatches of even date herewith, and in such others as
you may receive from me.
I have etc.