Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Parsons, Captain Robert Mann to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 9 November 1858, CO 60:3, no. 652, 530.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Other documents (1).
The minutes discourage Parsons from communicating with them directly instead of the proper channels.
Parsons to Lytton
I have the honor to report my arrival with the 20 Engineers
under my Command, at this place on 29 October.
I had the honor of communicating with you from Panama on
27th Septr requesting larger funds to be placed at my
disposal, and mentioning the arrangements I proposed making for
the progress of my Detachment towards Victoria. There was no
other conveyance from Panama northwards than the United States Mail
Steamer "J.L. Stephens" which sailed from Panama for San Francisco
on 1st Octrand
and from my experience during the transit I feel
fully justified in having incurred the expence of the second
Cabin accommodation for my Men, alluded to in my former letter.
There were 1240 passengers and a crew of about 160 on board the Steamer.
and from my experience during the transit I feel
fully justified in having incurred the expence of the second
Cabin accommodation for my Men, alluded to in my former letter.
There were 1240 passengers and a crew of about 160 on board the Steamer.
On 16th October the Detachment was landed in San Francisco
as British Soldiers, but without their Arms, and they were quartered
together in an Hotel until 20th October when I embarked them on
board the U.S. Mail Steamer "Panama" proceeding to Victoria;
after running up the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, landing
at Fort Vancouver & Portland &c, the ship anchored in Esquimalt Harbour, 3 miles by land from Victoria, on 29th October.
Finding Coll Hawkins R.E. the Boundary Commissionerat
at
Esquimalt, I reported my arrival and encamped the Detachment
with the portion of his party that were with him.
at
Esquimalt, I reported my arrival and encamped the Detachment
with the portion of his party that were with him.
I sent the bag of Despatches entrusted to me to the Governor
on the day of my arrival, and waited on him the following
day with the letter you gave me.
The Governor had provided a house for the Detachment
in Victoria but conferring with Coll Hawkins, I thought it
better to remain encamped with the Boundary Engineers for a
period on our first arrival.
Captn Grant R.E. arrived at Victoria yesterday with 11 men
and takes command of the Columbia Party, he will doubtless report
his proceedings as early as circumstances permit, he is now occupying
the house taken by the Governor in Victoria.
With
With regard to our
movements, it is the Governor's wish that we proceed with him up
the Frazer River when he proclaims the Queen's Commission in British
Columbia, and that we remain at or near Fort Langley.
As the time does not admit of my making an Inspection of
the locality near Fort Langley for the purposes of providing due
accommodation for the Troops, our removal probably taking place this
week, the Governor intends placing a Schooner at our disposal in
which we shall be housed until the portable buildings we take up
the River shall be erected.
I beg to add that I am receiving valuable advice and
assistance from Coll Hawkins R.E. and his knowledge of the
localities on the Frazer River enables him to assist me materially
in securing proper accommodation for the Men.
Captn Grant R.E. my Senior Officer will report our further
proceedings.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
As the Govr has reported and the War Dept have been informed of the arrival of Capt Parsons at Esquimalt it does not appear to be necessary to act in any way upon this letter? See 651 1 from Capt Parsons.
As the Govr has reported and the War Dept have been informed of the arrival of Capt Parsons at Esquimalt it does not appear to be necessary to act in any way upon this letter? See 651 1 from Capt Parsons.
VJ
20 Jan
Lord Carnarvon
But it seems to me that too early steps cannot be taken to prevent these military authorities from corresponding with us direct, which they are certain to do if allowed. In acknowledging the Governor's report, therefore, notice this letter of Capt Parsons also, & request he will in future correspond with us in the regular official way? See also 651.
But it seems to me that too early steps cannot be taken to prevent these military authorities from corresponding with us direct, which they are certain to do if allowed. In acknowledging the Governor's report, therefore, notice this letter of Capt Parsons also, & request he will in future correspond with us in the regular official way? See also 651.
HM
Jan 20
I agree.
C
Jany 20
Yes. See my desph to Col. Moody.
EBL
Jan 21
