Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Romaine, William Govett to Fortescue, Chichester 29 July 1861, CO 305:18, no. 6867, 33.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (5), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (4).
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.
Romaine to Under-Secretary of State
29 July 1861
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs
a Copy of a letter dated the
10th ultimo No 165
from Rear Adml Sir Thos Maitland,
representing the necessity for increasing the Force on the Pacific Station and at
Vancouver's Island
and I am to state that a Ship now nearly ready for Sea will be sent
out in a few days to the Station.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Sir Thos Maitland's report to the Admy points strongly to the necessity of having a military force of some sort stationed in Van C. Isld as a protection agt the Indians.
Sir Thos Maitland's report to the Admy points strongly to the necessity of having a military force of some sort stationed in Van C. Isld as a protection agt the Indians.
The Ship which is to sail in a few days might convey the 500 Rifles destined for the
Volunteers of
V.C. Isd. But it seems that to
accomplish that object an
urgent appeal must be made to the War
Office.
urgent appeal must be made to the War
Office.
ABd
1 Augt
Mr Blackwood
Prepare a letter to the W.O., sending Ady letter, and stating that it is will be [sic] very desirable, for the sake both of expedition and economy, to have the arms sent out, if possible, by this oppy. Write the Admy.
Prepare a letter to the W.O., sending Ady letter, and stating that it is will be [sic] very desirable, for the sake both of expedition and economy, to have the arms sent out, if possible, by this oppy. Write the Admy.
TFE
1 Augt
My dear Irving
The Rifles are ready, but it is believed that tonnage has been engaged for them. However enquiry has been made by Telegraph and you shall hear the results this afternoon.
The Rifles are ready, but it is believed that tonnage has been engaged for them. However enquiry has been made by Telegraph and you shall hear the results this afternoon.
We were about in the application of the Colonial Agent to
supply him with the particulars to enable him to take up tonnage of
the 500 rifles & ammunition. I have requested that all further
proceedings may be stopped and it will be for you to acquaint the
Agent and let us know officially that the stores
are [to] go by Queens Ship.
All will be ready in two days. Let us know soon.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Maitland to Secretary to the Admiralty, 10 June 1861,
recommending the force at Vancouver Island be increased by one
vessel, with explanation (four pages).
Other documents included in the file
Colonial Office to Secretary to the Admiralty, 1 August 1861,
advising that the War Office would be communicating with them about
conveying the arms.
Colonial Office to Under-Secretary of State, War Office, 2
August 1861, advising of the imminent departure of the warship and
suggesting he communicate with the Admiralty to arrange for
conveyance of the arms.
Other documents included in the file
*
Penrose G. Julyan, Office of the Crown Agents, to [Colonial
Office], 31 July 1861, advising that he had
"taken no steps that will prevent their being forwarded by a Queens
Ship," but adding that the Colonial Office should make an "urgent
appeal" to the War Office or the opportunity may be lost.
People in this document
Organizations in this document
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty