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 5 January 1859, CO 60:4, no. 3267, 128.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (6), Other documents (1).
Douglas asks the Queen, via the Colonial Office, to decide on a name for the capital of the Colony of British Columbia. He tells the office that in the interim, he has selected the name “Queensborough.”
The minutes describe the name Queensborough as “prosaic” and “the quintessence of vulgarity” before Blackwood informs the office that Lytton has already stated that the name be “New Westminster.”
No. 93
With reference to my Despatch No. 92 of the 4th Instant
upon the subject of the Site chosen for the seat of Government
of British Columbia, I have the honor to state to you that deeply
appreciating
appreciating the kind and gratifying interest which Her Most
Gracious Majesty has been pleased to manifest towards the
development and prosperity of the Colony of British Columbia, we
are earnestly desirous that Her Majesty should vouchsafe one further
proof of Her continued regard by signifying Her will as to the
Name to be given to the future Capital.
appreciating the kind and gratifying interest which Her Most
Gracious Majesty has been pleased to manifest towards the
development and prosperity of the Colony of British Columbia, we
are earnestly desirous that Her Majesty should vouchsafe one further
proof of Her continued regard by signifying Her will as to the
Name to be given to the future Capital.
2. Her own Royal Name having already been bestowed upon
the Seat of Government of Vancouver's
Vancouver's Island cannot also be
assigned to that of British Columbia, but until Her Majesty's
Commands can be communicated, it has been determined, for the
necessary sake of convenience, to distinquish the Town by the
name of "Queensborough"; and it would be received and esteemed as
an especial mark of Royal favor were Her Majesty to name the
Capital of British Columbia; either, indirectly, after His Royal
Highness the Prince Consort
Consort, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
or some Member of the Royal Family, so that the Colonists of
British Columbia, separated from friends and kindred in this their
far distant home, may be ever gratefully reminded in the designation
of their Capital of the Power that protects their hearths, of the
watchful interest that guards their liberties, and of the gentle
sway by which they are governed.
Vancouver's Island cannot also be
assigned to that of British Columbia, but until Her Majesty's
Commands can be communicated, it has been determined, for the
necessary sake of convenience, to distinquish the Town by the
name of "Queensborough"; and it would be received and esteemed as
an especial mark of Royal favor were Her Majesty to name the
Capital of British Columbia; either, indirectly, after His Royal
Highness the Prince Consort
Consort, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,
or some Member of the Royal Family, so that the Colonists of
British Columbia, separated from friends and kindred in this their
far distant home, may be ever gratefully reminded in the designation
of their Capital of the Power that protects their hearths, of the
watchful interest that guards their liberties, and of the gentle
sway by which they are governed.
Minutes by CO staff
"Queensborough" sounds prosaic, & reminds one also of an
English borough of indifferent fame.
HM
Mh 30
Send copy to Queen & dft letter to take Her pleasure.
Queensboro is not only prosaic—it is the quin[t]essence of
vulgarity.
EBL
Ap 1
Lord Carnarvon
In a Letter from Sir E. Lytton to me, dated the 30 April he says that the new capital is to be called "New Westminster"—& that the Governor is to be so informed. Shall a draft be accordingly prepared?
In a Letter from Sir E. Lytton to me, dated the 30 April he says that the new capital is to be called "New Westminster"—& that the Governor is to be so informed. Shall a draft be accordingly prepared?
ABd
2 May/59
Yes.
C
May 2
