Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Pemberton, Joseph Despard to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 6 July 1860, CO 305:15, no. 6776, 642.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (2).
Pemberton to Newcastle
Having for the last nine years filled the office of Surveyor General
of Vancouver Island, in which capacity I still act although
temporarily absent in this country on furlough, I venture most
respectfully to draw Your Grace's attention to the peculiar position
in which I am placed.
I was originally appointed to the office of Surveyor of Vancouver Island in 1851 by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay
Company. That engagement transpired at the termination of the
Company's Grant when the Island having been raised into a Crown
Colony, Governor Douglas was pleased to continue my services in the
same capacity on behalf of the Colony.
During the period
During the period I have had the honour of serving the Colony, the
efficiency of my services has been frequently acknowledged both by
the Hudson's Bay Company and Governor Douglas: and I have reason to
believe that on more than one occasion His Excellency was pleased to
recommend the confirmation of my appointment to Your Grace's
predecessor and probably to Your Grace also.
Before leaving Vancouver Island I represented to Governor Douglas the
awkwardness of the position in which I was placed being considered
and at the same time acting as Surveyor General of the Colony, and
still being without a Commission either from the Colony or Her
Majesty's Government and applied to Him to put an end to the anomaly
by granting to me the usual appointment, but he informed me that a
fresh commission could only be granted by Your Grace.
I take the liberty of transmitting herewith for Your Graces
information a copy of the letter addressed to me by William
by William A.G. Young Esqre Colonial Secretary informing me that Governor Douglas
had granted me leave of absence for Eight months: that period has
now nearly Expired and it will be necessary If I am to retain the
office, that I should at once return to the Colony.
by William A.G. Young Esqre Colonial Secretary informing me that Governor Douglas
had granted me leave of absence for Eight months: that period has
now nearly Expired and it will be necessary If I am to retain the
office, that I should at once return to the Colony.
In these circumstances, I venture humbly and most respectfully to
hope that Your Grace will be pleased to grant me the usual commission
confirming me in the position of Surveyor General of the Colony, and
I do so with the more confidence as I believe that it will be as much
for the good of the public Service as it will be for my own personal
satisfaction that all doubts as to my precise position should cease
to exist.
I venture further to add that I have recently received a letter from
Governor Douglas reminding that my leave of absence was nearly
expended and urging my speedy return. It will therefore be necessary
that I should take my departure at an early day; and,
and, it would be a
great satisfaction to me if by Your Grace's Kindness I were able to
return to the Colony in possession of the regular Commission.
and, it would be a
great satisfaction to me if by Your Grace's Kindness I were able to
return to the Colony in possession of the regular Commission.
I have the honour to Subscribe myself
Your Graces very obedient
and very humble Servant
J. Despard Pemberton
Your Graces very obedient
and very humble Servant
J. Despard Pemberton
His Grace The Duke of Newcastle
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
There are only two persons in V.C. Island—besides the Councillors—who have Commissions from the Crown—viz: the Govr and the Judge. There has been nobody of sufficient official importance established in this Island, unless you except the writer, for whom it has, as yet, been necessary to give Commissions. VanCouver's Island has not been formally retransferred to the Crown; but I should not think that wd constitute any reason against giving a regular commission of appointment to the Surveyor General. The Hudson's Bay Co were only Lords of the Soil for the time during which the grant existed.
There are only two persons in V.C. Island—besides the Councillors—who have Commissions from the Crown—viz: the Govr and the Judge. There has been nobody of sufficient official importance established in this Island, unless you except the writer, for whom it has, as yet, been necessary to give Commissions. VanCouver's Island has not been formally retransferred to the Crown; but I should not think that wd constitute any reason against giving a regular commission of appointment to the Surveyor General. The Hudson's Bay Co were only Lords of the Soil for the time during which the grant existed.
The Governor speaks highly of Mr Pemberton. See 2317/60.
ABd
11 July
(See separate minute, addressed to Mr Gairdner.)
TFE
11 July
Mr Gairdner
You will best be able to say whether according to usage it is desirable that the Surveyor General of this Island should have a Commission. If the decision be in the affirmative he certainly had better be informed beforehand of the sum it would cost him. As I am on the eve of departure, perhaps you will address your answer to Sir F. Rogers.
You will best be able to say whether according to usage it is desirable that the Surveyor General of this Island should have a Commission. If the decision be in the affirmative he certainly had better be informed beforehand of the sum it would cost him. As I am on the eve of departure, perhaps you will address your answer to Sir F. Rogers.
TFE
11 July
He would naturally have a Commission and as the cost is only 30s/-
the draft is [prepared] at once in the usual manner.
GG
16 July
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
W.A.G. Young, Acting Colonial Secretary, to Pemberton, 24
December 1859, stating he had been granted an eight month leave of
absence by the governor.