Colonial Despatches

It is with the greatest deference, and with every apology, that I venture to address you, and express a hope that you will generously extend to me your consideration and patronage.

It has been suggested to me, that, in all probability, you will proceed to appoint a Colonial Chaplain for British Columbia. Should thisbe be your intention, I think it probable you will forgive me if I refer to my past Colonial Services under Government, and solicit your kind recognition of them in nominating a Chaplain to the New Colony.

I was appointed Chaplain to the Convict Establishment at Port Arthur, V.D. Land, by the present Earl of Derby, in Novr 1842, and was engaged in the arduous duties of that office for nearly six years. In consequence of disturbances at Norfolk Island Sir W. Denison, Governor of VD Land, wished me to undertake the appointment of Chaplain there, adding, that going to that isolated and trying sphere of labor would enhance my claims on Her Majesty's Government. I, forthwith, went to Norfolk Island, and, owing to the dismissal of one Clergyman and the ill health of two others, the work of three Clergymen devolved upon me. This however, I did, without any relief or cessation, for three years and a half. I arose at 4 A.M., and my duties continued, with but little intermission, till 8 P.M.!At At length, my health gave way, as the Medical Board stated, from unusually protracted labor in that semi-tropical climate, and I was ordered home, or to some colder climate for a Season.

I arrived in England, June 1852, bringing with me the Copy of a Despatch from Sir W. Denison to Earl Grey (His Excellency thinking His Lordship was still in office), a letter from the officer commanding the Troops, and another from the Bishop of the Colony.Copies Copies of these I have the honor to Enclose.

On my return, Sir J.S. Pakington held the Seals of the Colonial Office, and he kindly granted me an interview, and afterwards wrote to me in these words, I regret I have no appointment in the Church at Home to offer you, but I shall be prepared to give a favorable consideration to your Claims whenever an opportunity arise of making an appointment to the Ecclesiastical Establishment in any one of the Colonies. subsequently subsequently, the Duke of Newcastle, when Colonial Secretary, expressed a similar intention—to this day, however, my claims are in abeyance.

I can, Sir, refer you to the records of the Colonial Office, to the Authorities of the Home Office under whom I have held, since My return to England, the office of Assistant Chaplain, at Dartmoor and Chatham Prisons, to the Governor of these Prisons, to the Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Bishop of Lichfield and the Bishop of Exeter, and a host of others, in testimony of my Energy, Qualifications and Character. I am also personally known to Mr W.C. Kent, 1 Campden Grove, Kensington.

Should you be kindly pleased to place that confidence in me as to appoint me the first Colonial Chaplain to British Columbia, I will devote, with willing Earnestness, all my powers to carry into Effect the intentions of Her Majesty's Government.