Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
FitzGerald, James Edward
to Merivale, Herman 6 June 1848, CO 305:1, no. 1141, 533.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Fitzgerald informs Merivale of a letter Fitzgerald requests be put before Grey, as the letter reflects Fitzgerald's opinion on the HBC's unworthiness as colonizers of Vancouver Island.
This file encloses a letter from Humphreys to Fitzgerald that argues against the HBC taking possession of Vancouver Island.
The minutes note that Humphreys's letter, and Fitzgerald's opinions are shared elsewhere. Grey feels that the HBC should be made aware of these sentiments.
1141. N. America
British Museum
June 6th 1848.Dear Sir,
Since I saw you on Saturday I have received a letter of which I
enclose you a copy for the information of Earl Grey respecting the
character of the Hudson's Bay Coy on the N.W. Coast of America.
The writer was for many years in the service of the Coy as the
Capt of one of their vessels, but having some independant property
now commands a barque of his own.
His statements fully bear out my own. No one who has taken the
trouble to enquire will give a different opinion.
Herman Merivale Esq
&c &c &c
&c &c &c
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
This is a further statement against the prudence of employing the Hudsons Bay Company to settle Van Couver's Island.
This is a further statement against the prudence of employing the Hudsons Bay Company to settle Van Couver's Island.
I think it wd be advisable to communicate the substance of the informatn
allegatns contained in this & Lt Dundas's letter to be
communicated to the Co sayg that while I hope the complaints are not
well founded the fact that they are made suggest the propriety of
introducg into the 
grant to be made to them conditns enforcg
the colonizatn of the island to some definite extent under pain of
forfeiture.
grant to be made to them conditns enforcg
the colonizatn of the island to some definite extent under pain of
forfeiture.
G.
8
Mr Merivale directed that this Letter should be put by the
arrangement with the Hudson's B. Co having rendered the execution of
Lord Grey's instruction unnecessary.
ABd
29/Sep.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Charles Humphreys to Fitzgerald, 6 June 1848, arguing that the Hudson's Bay Company should not be given possession of Vancouver Island
for the purpose of colonization.