Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 4 February 1859, CO 60:4, no. 3266, 118.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (2).
Douglas forwards a report from Moody proposing the site for the capital of British Columbia, “10 miles below the new Town of Langley, on the north bank of Fraser’s River.
The minutes find this site “very satisfactory” as the initial choice has proven to
be “unfavorable”.
Included in this document is a draft reply from Carnarvon to Douglas, 24 May 1859, expressing satisfaction that Moody and Douglas agreed on the location; Merivale to the War Office, 12 April 1859, forwarding a copy of the despatch for observations; and Moody to Douglas, 28 January 1859, recommending the site for the capital.
No. 92
I have the honor of transmitting herewith for your
information a report from the Lieutenant Governor, dated the
28th January 1859, recommending as a site for the seat of
Government in British Columbia a position about 10 Miles below
the
the new Town of Langley, on the north bank of Fraser's River.
the new Town of Langley, on the north bank of Fraser's River.
2. The Lieutenant Governor has entered fully into the
consideration of the military features of the position, which
he believes to be of rare strength and value, and also that,
apart from those advantages, the actual spot itself is well
adapted for a city of magnitude; in consequence of there being
deep water close along an extended line of shore for the anchorage
of sea-going vessels of any burden; an abundant supply
supply of water
for household purposes; and good drainage.
supply of water
for household purposes; and good drainage.
3. The views which the Lieutenant Governor has so ably
developed, generally coincide with my own impressions on the
subject, and I am satisfied of the soundness of his conclusions.
I have therefore authorized the immediate Survey and sub-division
of the site recommended in his report into building Lots of the
ordinary dimensions, for sale; and the work will be commenced
with all convenient despatch
despatch.
despatch.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
This choice of Colonel Moody for the site of the Capital town of B. Columbia sounds very satisfactory. The spot, first chosen, & where the sales of Land took place, which produced so much money, was very unfavorable inasmuch as the River was in the rear & in the military point of view exceedingly unsafe. Before approving this solution it wd be well perhaps to communicate the report of the Colonels to the War Office in case Genl Peel shd have any observns to offer to us which cd be of use. Copy to Queen & print for Parlt.
This choice of Colonel Moody for the site of the Capital town of B. Columbia sounds very satisfactory. The spot, first chosen, & where the sales of Land took place, which produced so much money, was very unfavorable inasmuch as the River was in the rear & in the military point of view exceedingly unsafe. Before approving this solution it wd be well perhaps to communicate the report of the Colonels to the War Office in case Genl Peel shd have any observns to offer to us which cd be of use. Copy to Queen & print for Parlt.
ABd
29/3
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Merivale to War Office, 12 April 1859, forwarding copy of
the despatch for observations.
