Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 7 December 1861, CO 305:17, no. 1168, 537.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (5), Enclosures (untranscribed) (4), Other documents (2).
Douglas forwards Newcastle a report
made by the Chief Justice of Vancouvers Islandconcerning Copland's request
for admission to practice as an Attorney in the Courts of this Colony.
No. 74
7 December 1861
With reference to your Grace's despatch No 50 of
the 5th April, I
have the honor herewith to forward for the information of your Grace
copy of a Report made by the Chief Justice of VancouversIsland
Island upon
the Petition of Mr John Copland, praying for admission to practice
as an Attorney in the Courts of this Colony.
Island upon
the Petition of Mr John Copland, praying for admission to practice
as an Attorney in the Courts of this Colony.
2. I also forward a Petition addressed to The Queen upon the same
subject from Mr Copland.
3. The whole matter is so fully discussed and explained in theReport
Report of the Chief Justice that it is unnecessary for me to add more
than the remark that I consider Mr Coplands case might be safely
left to be dealt with by the local Legislature.
Report of the Chief Justice that it is unnecessary for me to add more
than the remark that I consider Mr Coplands case might be safely
left to be dealt with by the local Legislature.
Minutes by CO staff
It is annexed.
GG
5/2/62
Duke of Newcastle
Mr Copland appears to me to have suffered unduly (though not illegally) from the opposition of local lawyers. I annex a draft.
Mr Copland appears to me to have suffered unduly (though not illegally) from the opposition of local lawyers. I annex a draft.
FR
5/2
Other documents included in the file
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 85, 7 February 1862,
recommending that Copland
be admitted to practicein Vancouver Island
after a years instruction in that Colony.
Elliot to J. Duncan, Lord Advocate, 17 February 1862, referring to
the dispute over Copland's practicing law in Vancouver Island,
and enclosing copy of the despatch to Douglas advising that steps might be taken to alter the requirements.
Minutes by CO staff
(To be sent after the despatch to the Govr has left England).
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Chief Justice David Cameron to Colonial Secretary, 30 November 1861,
explaining in detail why Copland was denied permission to practice law
in Vancouver Island (eighteen pages).
Petition to Queen Victoria asking for permission to practice law in
the Colony, dated 24 July 1861, signed by John Copland.
Copy of Certificate from James Duncan testifying that Copland served
as his clerk for five years and recommending that he be allowed to practice law in
Vancouver Island,
21 March 1861, signed by Duncan and H.B. Dewar.
Petition endorsing Copland's application to be allowed to practice law in
Vancouver Island, 22 July 1861, approximately 100 signatures.