Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 7 February 1862, CO 60:13, no. 3917, 90.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Douglas writes to Newcastle to report on unusual freezing temperatures in southwest BC and its deleterious effects on trade, especially on the ice-blocked Fraser, livestock and any “industrial pursuits in the Colony.” Douglas notes that “the River beyond New Westminster” is blocked by ice and that the “inland transit” of steam boats is “completely suspended.”
Separate
7 February 1862
The unusual severity of the weather since the beginning of the
present year, has brought business entirely to a close in
British Columbia.
2. An event whichfortunately
fortunately seldom occurs, the freezing
of Fraser River for many miles below New Westminster, has cut
off the direct access by water for the last five weeks; since
then the communication with that place, has been carried on
through Burrards Inlet from whence an overland transit of five miles leads into thetown
town.
fortunately seldom occurs, the freezing
of Fraser River for many miles below New Westminster, has cut
off the direct access by water for the last five weeks; since
then the communication with that place, has been carried on
through Burrards Inlet from whence an overland transit of five miles leads into thetown
town.
3. The navigation of the River beyond New Westminster is
also obstructed by ice; the River Steam boats cannot move and
the inland transit is therefore for the time being completely suspended.
4. About Hope and Yale the snow lies from 1 to 2 feet in
depth, andfears
fears are entertained of heavy losses occurring among
the running Stock in those Districts.
fears are entertained of heavy losses occurring among
the running Stock in those Districts.
5. It is however satisfactory that a much more favorable
state of things exists in the Upper Country; especially in the
Districts of Lillooet Lytton, Buonaparte and the Thompson
where, bylate
late advices, we learn that the pastures are not
deeply covered with snow, and that the farm Stock and transport
Mules and Horses, wintering there in great numbers, on the range
of the country, are generally in good condition and have not
suffered from the severity of the seasonnor
nor for want of food.
late advices, we learn that the pastures are not
deeply covered with snow, and that the farm Stock and transport
Mules and Horses, wintering there in great numbers, on the range
of the country, are generally in good condition and have not
suffered from the severity of the seasonnor
nor for want of food.
6. The weather is still, however, unusually cold, materially
interfering with the industrial pursuits of the Colony and
affecting the state of the public revenue, which has suffered
to a serious extent from the decrease in imports since Frasers River was frozen.
7.
7. It will require redoubled exertion on the opening of the
navigation to make up for this inopportune delay, in providing
for the exigencies of the coming season, and the wants of a
larger population, but I have no doubt the Merchants and Packers
will prove equal to the emergency.
8.
8. There is nothing further of interest respecting the
Colony to communicate.
Minutes by CO staff
I suppose that this report tho' unsatisfactory from the state
of the weather, must be printed with other annual reports of
Govrs on their Colonies.
ABd
19 Apl
I think that the unfavorable nature of the
report is no reason for not printing it: the object of publishing despatches
is to afford a correct view of the places to which they relate.
report is no reason for not printing it: the object of publishing despatches
is to afford a correct view of the places to which they relate.
But the Parliamentary series to which Mr Blackwood refers
consists of reports on the Blue Books; this despatch does not
relate to a Blue Book, nor do I observe anything in it to give
it the character of an annual report. There is no reason therefore why it should be
printed otherwise than in any future general collection of despatches on British Columbia.
Meantime acknowledge the receipt?
