Pemberton to Newcastle
Euston Hotel, London
25 July 1863
My Lord,
May I venture to ask Your Grace kindly to consider and decide upon the following matter personal to myself.
In my capacity of Surveyor General of Vancouver Island I am here under orders (dated April 3.63, copy of which was as usual forwarded to Colonial Office) from His Excellency The Governor "to procure machinery required for the improvement of Victoria Harbour, and to Superintend its construction". I further had orders to accomplish this and to return within six months from the date of my departure from the Island (4 April).
I pay my own travelling and personal expenses but my salary runs on as usual, and His Excellency the Governor made ample arrangement to supply my offices in the Colony during my absence.
With every exertion on my part—to procure this Machinery has taken rather more time than was expected.
The Agents General have afforded me so much assistance in the discharge of this duty, and are so conversant with all that has been done, that they could complete arrangements requisite without further assistance from me.
But I humbly submit to Your Grace that the public service would be more benefited by my remaining a few months longer, in order that I may acquire a more complete knowledge of the details and working of these machines, than by my abrupt departure: always provided, I arrive in the Colony in time to receive the machinery; and, as the time does not admit of my addressing His Excellency the Governor on the point perhaps Your Grace will be pleased to decide it.
I have the Honor to subscribe myself
Your Graces most obedient and most
humble Servant
J. Despard Pemberton
Surveyor General of Vancouver Island Colony
To His Grace
The Duke of Newcastle
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
It might be better to let Mr Pemberton remain here for 3 months more, I think on the same terms.
ABd 27 July
Mr Fortescue
Comply?
TFE 27/7
I think so.
CF 29
N 30
Other documents included in the file
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Elliot to Pemberton, 1 August 1863, granting an extension of three months to his leave of absence.
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 33, 2 August 1863.