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Public Offices document
Homer, Joshua Attwood Reynolds to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 6 March 1861, CO 60:12, no. 4653, 143.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Marginalia (1).
Homer writes to Newcastle to forward a copy of a “Memorial” from the delegates of “various districts in British Columbia,” who attended a convention at New Westminster. Homer notes that he was directed to send his copy by mail, thus pre-empting the copy expected to be forwarded by Douglas.
In the minutes, Blackwood notes that a copy of the memorial has yet to be received through Douglas, and that Newcastle has perhaps deemed it prudent to reserve a response until closer to the date of “the expiration” [December 31, 1862] of the Parliamentary act by which BC was made a colony. Finally, Newcastle writes of his “large question,” which is “still under consideration.”
The file includes a memorial from “British Subjects” at New Westminster to Newcastle, which lists grievances against the government and calls for, among other things, a resident governor.
Homer to Newcastle
New Westminster
6 March 1861
At a Convention of delegates from various districts in British Columbia, held at New Westminster from the 15th to the 20th of February, A Memorial
Not yet received from the Governor.
ABd 23 May/61
was forwarded from them to Your Grace, through His Excellency Governor Douglas.
At the same time I was directed to transmit, a duplicate Copy of the Memorial by Mail, as the members of the Convention were desirous, that the wishes of the People of British Columbia should be made known toHerManuscript image Her Majesty's Government at as early a period as possible.
I therefore beg leave most respectfully to Enclose a Copy of the Memorial.
I have etc.
J.A.R. Homer
Chairman
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
The Memorial stated in this Letter to have been agreed to at a Convention held at New Westminster in Feby last has not yet reached this Office thro' the Governor.
If he shd not send it within a month or 6 weeks from this date call for his report by the means of the usual Lithographed Form.
The Memorial dated 1860Manuscript image is not in the Dt. The subject of it demanded deliberate consideration. Perhaps the Duke of Newcastle has deemed it prudent to reserve entering upon the question of any change in the Govt of B. Columbia until we approach nearer to the time—vizt 31 Decr 1862—of the expiration of the Act of Parlt Vict. 21-Cap. 99, in virtue of wh. Br: Col: was erected into a Colony, when an alteration in the present system of Govt may be requisite.
ABd 23/5
Mr Fortescue
Wait for a time to see whether the Governor reports? So far as regards the non-residence of Officers, I thought that instructions had been given which would put an end to this kind of complaint.
FR 24 May
CF 24
I have the large question, and the papers connected with it, still under consideration.
N 26
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Memorial of "British Subjects" at New Westminster to Newcastle, 20 January 1861, expressing various grievances against the government including the desire of the people for a resident governor and public officers, 8 signatures.
Minutes by CO staff
This Memo is, I think, under the consn of His Grace.
Homer, Joshua Attwood Reynolds to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 6 March 1861, CO 60:12, no. 4653, 143. 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/B615MI08.html.

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