No. 46
With reference to my despatch No. 30 of the
31st of
August, respecting the large gathering of Indians which took
place in
New Westminster on the
24th of May, I beg leave
to state that I expect a still more numerous meeting on Her
Majesty's next birthday should no war of races intervene.
2. In replying to the address of the Chiefs I stated
that I gave
them them but small presents this year, but that the
next time we all met, I would bestow gifts of greater value.
I have therefore the honor to request that you will instruct
the Agents General to forward as early as possible to this
Colony one hundred canes with silver gilt tops of an
inexpensive kind, also one hundred small and cheap English
flags suitable to Canoes about 20 or 30 feet long.
3. I wish to introduce into this Colony the practice
which worked very successfully in
Honduras, of presenting a
Staff of Office to the Chief of each friendly tribe. I have
consulted
consulted the Roman Catholic Missionaries on the subject and
they entirely approve of my intention.
4. I think it would be well to have the Crown engraved
upon the head of each cane.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The state of the Agents account with the Colony is now
before you. May the Agents be authorized to comply with
this requisition, but telling them to report the cost in
the first instance.
Mr Jadis
It has now been determined to let the Agents execute
any requisitions which may not appear very costly. Will you
prepare a letter to them, asking them the probable expense.
Mark it
immediate.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Crown Agents,
22 December 1864, forwarding copy of
the despatch and inquiring about the cost of compliance.