Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes to Douglas, James 23 February 1862, NAC RG7:G8C/3, 34.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Newcastle informs Douglas that John D'Ewes, a former
Acting Postmaster of Victoria,who owed
debts to a considerable amountin the colony, has committed suicide in Homburg,
the German Watering Place in the neighbourhood of Frankfort.
No. 88
Downing Street
23 February 1862
I duly received your despatch No. 67 by the 25th of October
reporting that Mr. John D'Ewes, Acting Postmaster of Victoria had
absconded, leaving behind him debts to a considerable amount and being
a defaulter to the Colonial Government in a sum of between £300 and
£400.
Having taken steps tolearn
learn that Mr. D'Ewes' address and inquired
whether he had any explanation that he could offer on this subject or
whether there were any prospect of recovering the money, I regret to
acquaint you that I am informed that he lately proceeded to Homburg, the
German Watering Place in the neighbourhood of Frankfort, and that after
as it is supposed, losses at play, he committed suicide by shootinghimself
himself.
learn that Mr. D'Ewes' address and inquired
whether he had any explanation that he could offer on this subject or
whether there were any prospect of recovering the money, I regret to
acquaint you that I am informed that he lately proceeded to Homburg, the
German Watering Place in the neighbourhood of Frankfort, and that after
as it is supposed, losses at play, he committed suicide by shootinghimself
himself.
He cannot have left any property, and the unhappy termination of
his life puts an end to the question of any further proceedings.
Governor Douglas C.B.