Dunn to Newcastle
Hollows Thornliebank
Glasgow
23rd Apr 1860 To the Right Honorable The Duke of Newcastle
My Lord
I am just returned from Vancouver Island & British Columbia.
Her Majesty might be better represented in these Colonies. The Hudson Bay Company have a majority in the Assembly and appear to rule the country. The Governor has private & family interests in Vancouver Island and the British Colonists are not getting due attention. Public Buildings are not put in proper places nor put up as they ought, unqualified & also some unprincipled parties get the executing of the Works many of which are improperly put up & some only partly done by run away Contractors.
I left the Colony owing to the manner affairs were being managed.
I have no doubt your Grace is getting matters looked into and will excuse the liberty I have taken to make these few remarks.
I am
My Lord
Your Most Obt Sert
John Dunn
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
I should suspect that the writer had been an unsuccessful competitor for some public work, & has quitted the Colony in disgust at his failure of employment. At the same time if good and reliable accounts could be obtained respecting this place & B. Columbia, independently of those we receive from the Governor it wd be very satisfactory. Acke.
ABd 24/Ap
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I think that the letter had better be put by.
TFE 24 April
CF 25
N 26