No. 51
2 September 1863
I have the honor of transmitting herewith a communication from Mr Young requesting, for the reasons therein stated, that he maybeManuscript image be permitted to resign his appointment of Colonial Secretary for British Columbia, and to retain his appointment in Vancouver Island.
In the early stage of the Colonies, when the Government was administered by one official head, it was a matter of great convenience to havetheManuscript image the Office of Colonial Secretary for the two Colonies filled by one and the same person, but since the separation of the Colonies has been decided on, that system must soon have an end. Mr Young who has hitherto so ably attended to the duties of Colonial Secretary for both Colonies, desires to retain theappointmentManuscript image appointment for Vancouver Island, and to resign that for British Columbia, and I think his long services give him a peculiar claim to Your Grace's favourable consideration. In saying that Mr Young has given me perfect satisfaction, and that his Official experience, unremitting attention tobusinessManuscript image business, and knowledge of the Colony will be of the utmost advantage to my Successor, I am only doing Mr Young justice.
That the appointment of Mr Young to Vancouver Island will give satisfaction to the public is I believe placed beyond a doubt by the fact of his having at the late general Election beenreturnedManuscript image returned at the head of the Poll to represent the Town of Victoria in the Legislative Assembly, his nomination having been warmly supported by almost every person of wealth and consideration in this place.
I have in other despatches made honorable mention of Mr Young's public services and I may addthatManuscript image that his tact, conciliatory manners, irreproachable character, and official experience give him a peculiar fitness for the Office he holds, and I have no doubt his valuable services will be appreciated by my successor.
I have therefore in conclusion only to expressmyManuscript image my hope that Your Grace may be pleased to meet Mr Young's wishes and confirm him in the office of Colonial Secretary for Vancouver Island.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Grace's most obedient
Humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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The Secretary of Vancouver's Island—which Mr Young would prefer being—is to have a salary under the Civil List arrangement of £600 per annum. The Secy of B. Col: is to have £800. See 10015 B.C.
ABd 17 Oct
FR 19/10
The Laws granting the requisite salaries to these V.C.I. & B.C. Offices are not yet passed.
FR
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See l0015 B. Columbia.
N 20
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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W.A.G. Young, Colonial Secretary, to Douglas, 20 August 1863, asking to resign his position in British Columbia, but retain his office in Vancouver Island.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 81, 19 December 1863.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The Mail will be despatched on Wednesday.
VJ 14 Dec
This would not be done in time for the first Mail.
TFE 19/12
Douglas, Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 2 September 1863, CO 60:16, no. 10014, 103. 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/B63051.html.

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