Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 28 December 1861, CO 305:17, no. 2193, 563.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Other documents (1).
Douglas informs Newcastle that he has appointed Watson as
Treasurer of Vancouvers Island,and provides a justification for his decision. The minutes show Newcastle's displeasure with Douglas's actions. Newcastle agrees to approve the appointment only because Watson resigned his position with the Bank of British North America to accept the position with the colonial government.
No. 78
28 December 1861
With reference to my Despatch of this date No 77 acquainting your
Grace with the committal for Trial of Mr George Tomline Gordon,
Treasurer of Vancouvers Island, upon a charge of embezzlement of the
public funds, and that I had consequently suspended him from his
office, I have nowthe
the honor to report to your Grace that I have
appointed Mr Alexander Watson, to act as Treasurer in the place of
Mr Gordon.
the honor to report to your Grace that I have
appointed Mr Alexander Watson, to act as Treasurer in the place of
Mr Gordon.
2. Mr Watson has been the Accountant in the branch at this place of
the Bank of British North America, and resigns that office to accept
the appointment I have conferred upon him. I have every reason to
believe him to be a gentleman of the highest integrity, of good
business habits, and of more than ordinary attainments; and I cannot,
in view of the deep anxiety it hascaused
caused me to find suitable
subordinates, but esteem myself most fortunate in this case to secure
the services of Mr Watson, peculiarly qualified as he is by previous
training and by an unblemished reputation for so responsible an
office: I therefore earnestly trust that Your Grace will be pleased
to obtain Her Majesty's confirmation of the appointment.
caused me to find suitable
subordinates, but esteem myself most fortunate in this case to secure
the services of Mr Watson, peculiarly qualified as he is by previous
training and by an unblemished reputation for so responsible an
office: I therefore earnestly trust that Your Grace will be pleased
to obtain Her Majesty's confirmation of the appointment.
3. The Salary attached to the office by the local Legislature is
Four Hundred pounds per annum; but as this was less than the
emoluments of the office Mr Watson resigned, and as I am satisfied
such aSalary
Salary in this country would not secure the willing and
faithful service of a competent man, I have promised Mr Watson a
Salary at the rate of Five Hundred pounds per annum, payable from the
proceeds of the sales of public land, of which I trust Your Grace
will approve, as I believe the services which Mr Watson is capable
of rendering to this Colony will be cheaply purchased with such a
Salary.
Salary in this country would not secure the willing and
faithful service of a competent man, I have promised Mr Watson a
Salary at the rate of Five Hundred pounds per annum, payable from the
proceeds of the sales of public land, of which I trust Your Grace
will approve, as I believe the services which Mr Watson is capable
of rendering to this Colony will be cheaply purchased with such a
Salary.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The disposal of this piece of Patronage belongs to the S. of State. The Salary is apparently derived from the Land Revenue which belongs to the Crown and I can perceive no reason why the Duke of Newcastle should not appoint a Successor to Mr Gordon if he thinks proper so to do.
The disposal of this piece of Patronage belongs to the S. of State. The Salary is apparently derived from the Land Revenue which belongs to the Crown and I can perceive no reason why the Duke of Newcastle should not appoint a Successor to Mr Gordon if he thinks proper so to do.
I presume that the nomination of Mr Watson is only provisional,
tho' the Governor pushes hard for
Confirmation. If it is really the
case that the Governor is open to the reputation of filling the
public Offices with his friends the appointment of a Treasurer from
England would help to neutralize his proceedings in that way.
Confirmation. If it is really the
case that the Governor is open to the reputation of filling the
public Offices with his friends the appointment of a Treasurer from
England would help to neutralize his proceedings in that way.
ABd
3/3
It will be necessary to bear in mind that Mr Watson has resigned for
this Office the place of Accountant in the Bank of British North
America, with an income of more than £400 per annum.
TFE
3 March
Duke of Newcastle
It is a very disagreeable fact that three public servants appointed by Governor Douglas have proved defaulters.
It is a very disagreeable fact that three public servants appointed by Governor Douglas have proved defaulters.
He gives a high character of Mr Watson.
CF
5
The fact of three of the Govrs recent appoints having proved
defaulters is strong primâ facie evidence of joint carelessness &
laxity on his part. This third case is a very bad one. I commented
upon it in a Minute when the appt was made
and confirmed during my
absence in America. Mr Gordon was a Scoundrel & a Swindler of the
worst description in England & had been obliged to run from the
Country, & the Govr could not have had a word of recomn of him from anybody of respectability. His haste to grasp the appointt again
under the circumstances is reprehensible & but for the hardship to
Mr Watson I certainly would not confirm it.
and confirmed during my
absence in America. Mr Gordon was a Scoundrel & a Swindler of the
worst description in England & had been obliged to run from the
Country, & the Govr could not have had a word of recomn of him from anybody of respectability. His haste to grasp the appointt again
under the circumstances is reprehensible & but for the hardship to
Mr Watson I certainly would not confirm it.
As it is I wd comment sharply upon this third case of embezzlement
as discreditable to his Govt—tell him that he ought to have made
only a provisional appt & give my only reason for confirming Mr W.
N
5
