Colonial Despatches

In this despatch, dated 14 July 1858, Barr writes to Lytton from Briggate, Leeds.1 The purpose of his correspondence was to seek appointment in the colony of New Caledonia. Barr had recently returned to England from Vancouver Island, where he lived for five years; during his time there he held several public offices. Barr also points out that his family is well-known to the Honourable Members for Leeds and that his uncle was clerk to the Leeds Justices for over twenty years.2 The copy of testimonials included with his application state that he was previously a clerk for the House of Assembly in Victoria.3

An earlier despatch on 24 October 1853, indicates that Barr had also held the position of superintendent of the District School of Victoria while living on Vancouver Island. According to Sir James Douglas, the school had opened earlier that same month and had thirty-three pupils attending.4

In 1855, Douglas nominated Barr for the position of registrar to the Vice Admiralty Court of Vancouver Island. He was among three other men, nominated for other positions, that Douglas considered as gentlemen who bear a high character in the Colony, for general intelligence and integrity.5

• 1. Barr to Lytton, July 14, 1858, 6813, CO 6/27, 79.
• 2. Ibid.
• 3. Ibid.
• 4. Douglas to Newcastle, October 24, 1853, no. 9, 12345, CO 305/4, 89.
• 5. Douglas to Russell, July 25, 1855, no. 10, 8990, CO 305/6, 83.