Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Cadell, P. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 17 September 1858, CO 60:2, no. 9526, 595.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
The minutes acknowledge that Cadell has sent “nearly a score” of unsolicited letters “containing suggestions for general
conduct of affairs” in British Columbia. Most of his suggestions are axiomatic and the CO do not feel indebted to offer Cadell passage.
Enclosed is the Colonial Office to Cadell advising that a free passage is not possible, nor is there public employment available
in the colony, but that Lytton would supply a letter of introduction upon receipt of proper testimonials; and Cadell to Lytton providing a general report on preliminary operations for the development of British Columbia.
Cadell to Lytton
I beg to enclose a report with reference to information
conveyed to the Colonial Office connected with the preliminary
operations of British Columbia, through which I have solicited
the favor of an Official Communication to Governor Douglas, in
my favor, with an order for passage for the Govt Steamer
"Archer" for Vancouver, which I trust you will consider but
a reasonable request, to compensate for my prompt attention to the
subject.
Colonial Office
Downing St S.W.
Downing St S.W.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
This gentleman, of his own accord, & without solicitation or encouragement, as I believe, from any body in this Office, has written nearly a score of Letters to Sir E. Lytton, containing suggestions for general conduct of affairs in B. Columbia. Most of his suggestions seem to me of that useful kind which a professional man and an ordinary observer of events would naturally be able to offer. But His suggestions have for the most part already occurred to this Office, or the Governor, & are being acted upon. He has been regularly courteously thanked &c. I do not myself see that we are indebted to him—or called upon to reward him for his spontaneous effusions. Nor, as Sir E. Lytton,
has received
no testimonials concerning the writer, nor knows, as I fancy,
anything about him cd he give him the Letter of recommendation
to the Govr which he solicits. Neither can Sir Edward
order him a passage in the "Archer" to B. Columbia, nor
let him accompany Col: Moody. This, at least, is the view I take.
This gentleman, of his own accord, & without solicitation or encouragement, as I believe, from any body in this Office, has written nearly a score of Letters to Sir E. Lytton, containing suggestions for general conduct of affairs in B. Columbia. Most of his suggestions seem to me of that useful kind which a professional man and an ordinary observer of events would naturally be able to offer. But His suggestions have for the most part already occurred to this Office, or the Governor, & are being acted upon. He has been regularly courteously thanked &c. I do not myself see that we are indebted to him—or called upon to reward him for his spontaneous effusions. Nor, as Sir E. Lytton,
has received
no testimonials concerning the writer, nor knows, as I fancy,
anything about him cd he give him the Letter of recommendation
to the Govr which he solicits. Neither can Sir Edward
order him a passage in the "Archer" to B. Columbia, nor
let him accompany Col: Moody. This, at least, is the view I take.
ABd
20 Sepr
I quite agree.
HM
S 22
I quite agree in the main that it is a bad principle to
be thus forced into giving something by importunate writing;
but I almost think
that with so restless a man as Mr Cadell
appears to be—if he has made up his mind to go to B.
Columbia—it is worthwhile to send him out in a good humour
with the C.O. If he can give thoroughly satisfactory testimonials
I wd hardly refuse what we have conceded to so many
others—if not "cadit quotic"—for to give him a free
passage is out of our power?
that with so restless a man as Mr Cadell
appears to be—if he has made up his mind to go to B.
Columbia—it is worthwhile to send him out in a good humour
with the C.O. If he can give thoroughly satisfactory testimonials
I wd hardly refuse what we have conceded to so many
others—if not "cadit quotic"—for to give him a free
passage is out of our power?
C
S. 22
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Cadell to Lytton, 16 September 1858, general report on
preliminary operations for the development of British Columbia.