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Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 5 February 1859, CO 60:4, no. 3268, 133.

Abstract
Despatch to London. Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
Douglas reports that “although no Executive Council for British Columbia has, as yet, been formally appointed,” Colonial Moody, Judge Begbie and himself have been meeting in that capacity to discuss policy.
The minutes discuss the validity of this council and the Judge’s presence in it; Merivale suggests that the Colonial Office consider it a “mere voluntary Committee of advice,” and approve of it “in this sense.”
Included in this document is a draft reply from Carnarvon to Douglas, 11 April 1859, approving of the council as a “voluntary Committee” and instructing him to take “proper steps” in the formation of a formal committee.
No. 94
Victoria, Vancouver's Island
5 February 1859
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint you that although no Executive Council for British Columbia has, as yet, been formally appointed, still I have called to my assistance Colonel Moody, and Judge Begbie, as MembersManuscript imageMembers of that Council, and we have already met upon several occassions to confer upon the policy to be pursued, and upon various measures to be adapted in connection with the future government of the Colony.
I have etc.
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
Approve? There is no fundamental objection I presume to the Judge being in this Council. His appointment might be confirmed as a provisional measure till such time as the materials in the Colony enabled the Governor to relieve the Judge. And, I Manuscript imagebelieve he cd not succeed to the Govt.
ABd 29/3
I do not think we had better treat this, as yet, as a regular Council, & issue warrants of appointment accordingly. It may be left as a mere voluntary Committee of advice. Approve in this sense, adding that whenever the Governor thinks the formation of an Executive Council expedient, proper steps shall be taken (His Instructions will shew what these are).
HM Mh 30
I agree.
C Mch 31
EBL A 2
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Carnarvon (in the absence of Lytton) to Douglas, No. 46, 11 April 1859.
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 5 February 1859, CO 60:4, no. 3268, 133. The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.0, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/B59094.html.

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