Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 19 February 1861, CO 305:17, no. 4319, 113.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents
often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important
to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered
hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous
Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.
Douglas acknowledges receipt of Newcastle's despatch no. 40 dated 17 October 1860
that addresses the steps Douglas had taken
to preserve tranquility in the Colony during the period of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria.Douglas assures Newcastle that he has assembled a volunteer military force, and asks the Colonial Office to send five hundred firearms for that force to use.
No. 19
19 February 1861
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Despatch No 40, of the
17th of October last, upon the subject of my reports respecting the
means taken to preserve tranquility in the Colonyduring
during the period
of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria.
during the period
of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria.
2. I am gratified to learn that the measures I adopted were such as
to be in harmony with the views of Her Majesty's Government, and I
feel much indebted for the advice and suggestions contained in the
Despatch.
3. With respect to the latter part in which I am urged to encouragethe
the formation of a volunteer force, I beg to assure Your Grace that I
have not overlooked this matter. The desire exists on the part of
the Colonists, but unfortunately one of the most essential
requirements is wanting.
the formation of a volunteer force, I beg to assure Your Grace that I
have not overlooked this matter. The desire exists on the part of
the Colonists, but unfortunately one of the most essential
requirements is wanting.
4. A Volunteer Rifle Corps has been formed amongst the coloured
population, which I have fostered to the best of my ability by
encouraging them to proceed, and byobtaining
obtaining the services of a Drill
Sergeant from Her Majesty's Ships; and so great is the esprit
exhibited by them that they have built themselves a Hall, and pay the
Drill Sergeant most handsomely for each instruction: but they want
Firearms, and have applied to me to render them this assistance,
which at present I am unable to do.
obtaining the services of a Drill
Sergeant from Her Majesty's Ships; and so great is the esprit
exhibited by them that they have built themselves a Hall, and pay the
Drill Sergeant most handsomely for each instruction: but they want
Firearms, and have applied to me to render them this assistance,
which at present I am unable to do.
5. The most respectableof
of the white residents are also fully
prepared to enrol themselves as a volunteer force, the only drawback
is a want of efficient Firearms. In fact, had I been capable of
supplying these, a most valuable corps would have been formed at the
time of the American occupation of San Juan.
of the white residents are also fully
prepared to enrol themselves as a volunteer force, the only drawback
is a want of efficient Firearms. In fact, had I been capable of
supplying these, a most valuable corps would have been formed at the
time of the American occupation of San Juan.
6. The smallness of the Colonial Revenue and the infant state of theColony
Colony will not admit of the necessary Firearms being procured by the
Colony; I trust therefore that Her Majesty's Government will Extend
their assistance in this matter, and if they will but furnish 500
stand of arms, I will engage on my part to form a volunteer force
that I can safely assert will be no discredit to the Empire.
I have
Colony will not admit of the necessary Firearms being procured by the
Colony; I trust therefore that Her Majesty's Government will Extend
their assistance in this matter, and if they will but furnish 500
stand of arms, I will engage on my part to form a volunteer force
that I can safely assert will be no discredit to the Empire.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Ask the War Office if they can, & will supply these fire-arms to the V.C. Island volunteer force. If the War Office assents they will have to be sent in some vessel of War round the Horn.
Ask the War Office if they can, & will supply these fire-arms to the V.C. Island volunteer force. If the War Office assents they will have to be sent in some vessel of War round the Horn.
ABd
15/5
The next time that a vessel of War happens to be going that way. To
War Office?
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Under Secretary of State, War Office, 22 May 1861,
forwarding copy of the despatch and asking if it would be possible to
comply with the governor's request.