Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Hamilton, George Alexander to Merivale, Herman 25 May 1852, CO 305:3, no. 4770, 254.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (transcribed) (0), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Marginalia
(1).
Hamilton forwards to Merivale, for Pakington’s information, Moresby’s received correspondence on the discovery of gold in “Queen Charlotte's Island,” and orders to assert “the Sovereignty of Her Majesty” over the same.
The minutes affirm this order and note the sizable native presence in the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Of the two enclosures, the first reports on gold and British and American interests
at Queen Charlotte Island; the second document, transcribed, contains Moresby’s detailed sailing orders to the Thetis.
Admiralty
25th May 1852
Sir
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
you herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir John Pakington,
Copies of a Letter from the British Consular Agent at San Francisco to
Rear Admiral Moresby relative to the discovery of Gold in Queen
Charlotte's Island, and of the Orders given for Her Majesty's Ship
Thetis to proceed to assert the Sovereignty of Her Majesty over that
Island &ca, and to visit
the Settlement of Fort Rupert in Vancouver's Island.
the Settlement of Fort Rupert in Vancouver's Island.
Herman Merivale Esq
Colonial Office
Colonial Office
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
This is merely a passing, though I do not doubt it will be a useful visit on the part of a British frigate at Queen Charlottes Island. The Admiral has orders to station a vessel off the "diggins".
This is merely a passing, though I do not doubt it will be a useful visit on the part of a British frigate at Queen Charlottes Island. The Admiral has orders to station a vessel off the "diggins".
ABd
29/5
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Aikin, British Consulate, San Francisco, to Moresby, 1 March
1852, reporting information obtained from Staines and two English
sailors regarding the discovery of gold on Queen Charlotte Island and the
activities of some British and American vessels in that region.
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
Sailing Orders to HMS Thetis, 8 April 1852
Sailing orders to H.M.S. "Thetis"
By Fairfax Moresby, Esqre C.B.
et. et. etc
You are hereby required and directed when H.M.S. Thetis under
your command is complete with provisions for six months consumption, and
in all other respects ready to proceed to Queen Charlotte's Island and
there make a full Enquiry into the circumstances stated in a letter from
H.M's Counsul at San Francisco a copy of which is enclosed.
2. You will take measures to ensure that the Sovereignty of Her
Majesty over Queen
Queen Charlottes Island be respected and warn any
adventurers that may be located or speculating on that coast that they
are there only on Sufferance.
Queen Charlottes Island be respected and warn any
adventurers that may be located or speculating on that coast that they
are there only on Sufferance.
3. In your intercourse with the Natives you must be very cautious.
Some of the Tribes being represented as treacherous, you should endeavor
to impress them with the favor and protection of our Sovereign if they
conduct themselves in a friendly and hospitable manner and the certainty
of retribution should it be otherwise.
4. You must endeavour to obtain specimens of the precious metals
and such information
information as may be desirable for HM's Government.
information as may be desirable for HM's Government.
5. From Queen Charlotte's Island you are to proceed to the Hudsons
Bay Company's settlement of Fort Rupert, Vancouvers Island and make
yourself acquainted with the progress that has been made for obtaining
Coal since the Daphne was there in July last as to the Number and
character of any settlers that May have located there, the state of the
Newitty Tribe which has hitherto escaped the punishment due to their
crime, that of Murdering three Englishmen.
6. From Fort Rupert you are to proceed
proceed to Esquimalt Harbour to
communicate with the Governor at Victoria. You are to ascertain the
number of persons free settlers or servants of the Hudsons Bay Company
who have located there since July last. Whilst at Esquimalt you are to
cut such spars as you can conveniently stow for the use of the Squadron.
proceed to Esquimalt Harbour to
communicate with the Governor at Victoria. You are to ascertain the
number of persons free settlers or servants of the Hudsons Bay Company
who have located there since July last. Whilst at Esquimalt you are to
cut such spars as you can conveniently stow for the use of the Squadron.
7. From Esquimalt you are to proceed to San Francisco and
communicate with H.M's Consul transmitting to myself and the L.C.A. any
information that you may have collected.
8. If at San Francisco you should obtain information respecting
British interests at
at the Sandwich Islands, which seem's to require that
your presence is necessary you are to return to Valparaiso by that route
calling at the Society Islands but should this Necessity not be apparent
you are to return to Valparaiso direct and immediately refit H.M's Ship
Thetis for any service that she may be called upon to perform.
at the Sandwich Islands, which seem's to require that
your presence is necessary you are to return to Valparaiso by that route
calling at the Society Islands but should this Necessity not be apparent
you are to return to Valparaiso direct and immediately refit H.M's Ship
Thetis for any service that she may be called upon to perform.
(Signed. Fairfax Moresby
Rear Admiral and Commander in Chief
By command of the Commander in Chief (Signed) M.F. Moresby
Secretary P.S.
P.S.Rear Admiral and Commander in Chief
By command of the Commander in Chief (Signed) M.F. Moresby
Secretary P.S.
P.S. I trust that you will perform this service so as to arrive at
Valparaiso not later than the middle of September.
(Signed) Fairfax Moresby