Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Allen, B. G. to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 10 January 1859, CO 305:13, no. 480, 218.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
Allen asks the Colonial Office to appoint William Burlington Smith to a position in government on Vancouver Island, especially Collector of Customs or Post Master. Allen admits he knows nothing about Smith, but he feels obligated to contact the Colonial Office on Smith’s behalf to preserve his relationships in the area.
The minutes point out that there is already a Collector of Customs in place and there
is no position of Post Master in Victoria.
Allen to Lytton
The Hall
Burnham
Bridgwater
10th January 1859
Burnham
Bridgwater
Sir
Herewith I beg to enclose you a document in the shape of a memorial
or application on behalf of a Mr William Burlington Smith who is
anxious it seems to get some appointment under Government in
Vancouver's 
Island. I know nothing of Mr Smith, but I can vouch for
the respectability of all the parties who have signed the document
which is a curious one.
Island. I know nothing of Mr Smith, but I can vouch for
the respectability of all the parties who have signed the document
which is a curious one.
Seems a straightforward one.
I have to apologize for thus intruding myself on you, but being an
Honorary Agent for Messrs Miles and Knatchbull in this neighbourhood
I could 
not refuse inclosing the document to you without giving
offence and to a certain degree injuring my influence with some of
their friends.
not refuse inclosing the document to you without giving
offence and to a certain degree injuring my influence with some of
their friends.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
This is an application for the appointment of Collector of Customs or Post Master at Victoria Van Couvers Island. There is a Collector there, & I am not aware of any intention to appoint a Post Master. There is no doubt some officer in Victoria charged with the duties of Post Master.
This is an application for the appointment of Collector of Customs or Post Master at Victoria Van Couvers Island. There is a Collector there, & I am not aware of any intention to appoint a Post Master. There is no doubt some officer in Victoria charged with the duties of Post Master.
Annex dt stating the office of Coll. of Customs is already filled &
that at present there is no intention of creating from home any such
fresh appointment as that of P. Master.
C
Jany [cut off file]
