Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Kingscote, Henry to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 22 September 1858, CO 60:3, no. 9772, 211.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Other documents (3).
Kingscote enquires, on behalf of the Deal Boatmen, whether there are any opportunities for
these people in British Columbia because the use of steam powered boats and “improved science” has “caused much suffering
among these fine gallant fellows.”
The minutes regret there are no opportunities in British Columbia but suggest that the Deal Boatmen may try the Royal Navy. Merivale worries that the suggestion may be “misconstrued.”
Enclosed are three letters from the Colonial Office to Kingscote regretting that there is no assured employment in the colony.
Kingscote to Lytton
Deal Kent
22 Sepr
Sir/
May I venture to inquire whether any facilities will be granted to
a set of young active men who are anxious to go out to British
Columbia? From several causes there is great distress among the
Deal Boatmen. The use of
Steam Tugs—the improved science that is
brought to bear upon navigation &c &c has caused much suffering
among these fine gallant fellows—who have saved hundreds of lives
of their fellow Creatures—& many thousand pounds worth of property.
They can no longer get a living on the Beach—& very many of
the Young Men are most
anxious to get away—especially to British
Columbia. Might I request to be informed whether the Government
can favor their views in any way? If so—I should be most pleased
to give any further information.
Steam Tugs—the improved science that is
brought to bear upon navigation &c &c has caused much suffering
among these fine gallant fellows—who have saved hundreds of lives
of their fellow Creatures—& many thousand pounds worth of property.
They can no longer get a living on the Beach—& very many of
the Young Men are most
anxious to get away—especially to British
Columbia. Might I request to be informed whether the Government
can favor their views in any way? If so—I should be most pleased
to give any further information.
To Sir E. Bulwer Lytton Bt
&c &c
&c &c
Minutes by CO staff
Ansr that H.M. Govt have no oppy of employing these men in B.
Columbia, and request the writer to suggest to them to enlist in
the British Navy.
ABd
23 Sepr
I think I would stop at the first part of the answer: the last
might be misconstrued?
HM
S 23
I suppose so—though the suggestion is much to the point. Mr
Kingscote—if he is the person whom I believe him to be—has a
great many irons in the fire and might have thought of this
recourse for himself.
But between Glasgow operatives and Deal boatmen B. Columbia seems
likely to be provided for. Annex draft as Mr M suggests.
C
S. 23
Mr Merivale
On the 25th September a Draft answer to Mr Kingscote was written founded on Lord Carnarvons Minute & circulated with Mr Kingscotes letter (9772).
On the 25th September a Draft answer to Mr Kingscote was written founded on Lord Carnarvons Minute & circulated with Mr Kingscotes letter (9772).
On the 1 Oct Mr Kingscote's letter came back to the Department
without the Draft but with a minute (30th Sept) by Sir E. Lytton,
confirming Lord Carnarvon's decision.
It was presumed therefore that Lord Carnarvon wished Sir E. Lytton
to seethe
the letter before it was answered and has cancelled the Draft.
the letter before it was answered and has cancelled the Draft.
A fresh one, in the same terms was therefore written, on the 4th
October which was returned by you for signature & sent off last night.
This morning the old Draft has come back to the Departt amongst
the papers relating to the Kings College Act N. Brunswick—with an
addition by Sir E. Lytton.
I have prepared a draft supplying the omission & submit it for
approval in case you shd think it desirable to take
this course.
this course.
HTI
9 Oct
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Kingscote, 9 October 1858, expounding on
previous correspondence by explaining that assistance could not be
given due to the lack of assured employment in the colony.
Colonial Office to Kingscote, September 1858, marked "old
draft," containing the first rejection.