Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Duncan, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 21 March 1861, CO 305:18, no. 2742, 385.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (2).
Duncan forwards Copland's letter arguing that he should be allowed to practice law on
Vancouver Island, along with supporting documentation, to Newcastle.
Duncan to Newcastle
6 Hill Street
Edinburgh 21st March 1861
Edinburgh 21st March 1861
To His Grace the Duke of Newcastle
Her Majesty's Secretary of State
for the Colonies &c &c
My Lord Duke
I have the honour to transmit herewith for the consideration of your Grace a Petition
to Her Majesty on behalf of
Mr John Copland of Yates Street in the town of
Victoria and Colony of Vancouver's Island,
with Certificates subjoined.
I have the honor to be My Lord Duke
Your Graces most obedient and Very humble servant
James Duncan
Writer to the Signet
Your Graces most obedient and Very humble servant
James Duncan
Writer to the Signet
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
I have marked the passage in the Order in Council laying down the rules for the admission of Attornies & Barristers to practice in the Supreme Court of VanCouver Island. It appears from his Petition that Mr Copland was only a clerk to a Writer to the Signet & not a Writer x
x as required by the Order, and that
this fact was duly set forth in the Certificate he presented to the Chief Justice.
The Petition ought I presume be referred to the
Govr for
report & Mr Duncan
informed?
I have marked the passage in the Order in Council laying down the rules for the admission of Attornies & Barristers to practice in the Supreme Court of VanCouver Island. It appears from his Petition that Mr Copland was only a clerk to a Writer to the Signet & not a Writer x
x as required by the Order, and that
this fact was duly set forth in the Certificate he presented to the Chief Justice.
The Petition ought I presume be referred to the
Govr for
report & Mr Duncan
informed?
VJ
25 March
Sir F. Rogers
This seems to be a Case which ought to pass under your eye.
This seems to be a Case which ought to pass under your eye.
TFE
25 March
Mr Blackwood
At once.
At once.
To the Govr for report—adding that of course he will
submit the memorial to Mr Cameron for such observations as he may have to make
upon the subject.
Inform the writer that this has been done.
FR
25/3
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Petition to Queen Victoria from John Copland, 19 January 1861,
asking to be admitted as an attorney to the Supreme Court of Civil Justice in Vancouver Island, with a certificate
vouching for his qualifications signed by James Duncan, supported by solicitors William Duncan and
H.B. Dewar, and validated by F. Brown Douglas, Lord Provost.