Colonial Despatches

Robert Forbes was a secretary clerk in the War Office. When he left office, he sent multiple letters to Newcastle requesting a grant of land on Vancouver Island in exchange for the service he had provided. He claimed that it had been promised to him by Edward Ellice, and that he had been refused his promised pension and so would take a parcel of land in payment.1

The Colonial Office refused his request, stating that public lands on Vancouver Island could only be disposed of by sale in accordance with established rules, and that free grants were not made to any persons whatever.2

• 1. Forbes to Newcastle, 28 October 1859, 11336, CO 305/13, 241; Forbes to Newcastle, 13 March 1861, 2965, CO 305/18, 391.
• 2. Forbes to Newcastle, 28 October 1859, 11336, CO 305/13, 241; Forbes to Colonial Office, 12 October 1858, 10134, CO 305/9, 594; Forbes to Newcastle, 13 March 1861, 2965, CO 305/18, 391; Forbes to Colonial Office, 12 October 1858, 10134, CO 305/9, 594;

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