Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 14 June 1864, CO 305:22, no. 7398, 301.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3), Other documents (1).
Kennedy forwards a Memorandum from the Colonial Secretary’s office regarding the ownership
of Fisgard Island. This document includes statements from the Light House Board and the Colonial Treasurer
as well as extracts from Executive Council minutes.
No. 37
14th June 1864
Sir
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a memorandum which explains
itself.
My attention was drawn to the fact that a small detached rock upon
which a Lighthouse is built at the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour
(called Fisgard Island) was claimed to be private property and I
therefore instituted an inquiry into the tenure by which it was held
by the government.
It
It will appear from the accompanying memorandum of the Treasurer that
the sum of £150 was paid to Mr W.A.G. Young, the Colonial Secretary,
by the
Surveyor General on 20th December 1859 "being the purchase
money for Fisgard Island", and that no conveyance to the Government
has been executed.
I cannot ascertain any reason why this money should have been paid
till the conveyance was completed. The Surveyor General informs me
that the money was paid by order of the Colonial Secretary.
Mr Young is now in England and I would recommend that heshould
should be
called upon to execute a legal conveyance of this Island.
should be
called upon to execute a legal conveyance of this Island.
I do not know, nor can I discover any record of the basis of this
purchase by the government, but it appears to me questionable that
a bare rock devoid of all verdure beyond low water mark could be
claimed as other than belonging to the Crown. Its intrinsic value is
certainly merely nominal.
Captain Richards R.N., Hydrographer to the Navy can probably afford
information on the subject.
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
See 7399. The Governor's suggestion might be acted upon, and Captain Richards requested to give any information in his power, but before doing so it will be necessary to have the enclosures. Wait for their arrival?
See 7399. The Governor's suggestion might be acted upon, and Captain Richards requested to give any information in his power, but before doing so it will be necessary to have the enclosures. Wait for their arrival?
VJ
8 Aug
The enclosures are now arrived.
VJ
13 Augt
To Captain Richards first: hereafter we may have to call on Mr
Young for information.
TFE
15 Augt
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Memorandum signed by E.J. Nesbitt, Chief Clerk, Colonial Secretary's
office, 4 June 1864,
stating that the "Indenture conveying to the Government of
Vancouver Island the rock on which the Lighthouse at Esquimalt stands
does not appear to be in the Colonial Secretary's Office."
Statements received from the Light House Board
(Edmund Hope Verney, Secretary), 6 June 1864, and Alexander Watson,
Colonial Treasurer, 9 June 1864, relative to the ownership of
Fisgard Island.
Extracts from minutes of the Executive Council, 1 June 1864,
relative to the question of ownership of Fisgard Island.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Captain Richards, R.N., 19 August 1864, forwarding
copies of the despatch and enclosures and asking him to supply any
information he might have on the subject.