Peel, Sir Frederick to Rogers, Baron Blachford Frederic 25 September 1861, CO 305:18, no. 8612, 336.

XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Public Offices document
Peel, Frederick to Rogers, Frederic 25 September 1861, CO 305:18, no. 8612, 336.

Abstract

Public Offices document. Minutes (3), Enclosures (transcribed) (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.

Peel writes Rogers, on behalf of the Treasury, to inform Newcastle that Their Lordships are hardly prepared to give authority for the purchase, at the expense of this Country, for the sum of £3000, of the Native title in certain tracts of land in Vancouver's Island. The Treasury asserts that extinguishing the aboriginal title is the colony's responsibility, and recommends that only lands immediately required for settlement be purchased.

Peel to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

Treasury Chambers

25 September 1861

In reply to your letter of the 22 June last, I am directed by the Lords Commissoners of Her Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you for the information of the Duke of Newcastle that Their Lordships are hardly prepared to give authority for the purchase, at the expense of this Country, for the sum of £3000, of the Native title in certain tracts of land in Vancouver's Island.

It is true that the Governor stated that the Treasury should be repaid out ofthe

the proceeds to arise from the sales of Public Land, but the House of Assembly assert the liability of this country to bear the charge of extinguishing the aboriginal title, and My Lords cannot view such a claim as amounting merely, as the Governor considers, to an application for a Loan.

It appears from Mr Douglas' Despatch, that the practice, till lately has been to purchase Native Rights—so far only as the Land over which they extended was immediately required for settlement—and My Lords cannot but think that if a similar course were now pursued, the necessary progress might be made in the acquisitionof

of Lands without purchasing Native Rights on so large a scale, at once, as to require that a Loan should be raised for the purpose.

I am etc.
F. Peel

Minutes by CO staff

Sir F. Rogers
Land Board for any observations.

ABd 26 Sepr

(Of course the duty of buying up the Indian Title rests with those who receive the profits of Land when sold—the Crown Revenue, I apprehend, of V.C. Island—which is spent for the benefit of the Settlers and will ultimately be handed over to them.)

The Imperial Treasy has evidently nothing to do with the matter. The fairest way (if possible) wd be to borrow the money on the security of the Land Fund.

FR 26/9

Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)

Downing Street,

28 Septr 1861
Gentlemen,

With reference to your letter of the 12th June last, I am directed by the Secretary of State to transmit to you, for any suggestions and observations which you may have to offer, the enclosed copy of a letter from the Treasury on the subject of the application from the Governor of Vancouver Island for Imperial assistance in extinguishing the Native title to certain lands in the Colony.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient humble Servant,
F.R.

The Emigration Commissioners