Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Addington, Henry Unwin
to Merivale, Herman 8 May 1852, CO 305:3, no. 4097, 329.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3).
Addington sends Merivale copies of Douglas’ letter to Moresby—which questions the legality of American ships trading at Haida Gwaii. Addington informs Merivale that Pakington has instructed the Admiralty to protect the area from “violation by Foreigners.”
The minutes discuss the legality of seizing American vessels found trading at Haida Gwaii, and suggest that Douglas be made aware of the Foreign Office’s role in delegating protection of the area.
Of the three enclosures, the first is forwarded correspondence from Pelly to Malmesbury, the second is Douglas’ letter to Moresby regarding American vessels trading at Haida Gwaii, and the third is a letter extract from Ballenden to Barclay, which provides details on an American vessel bound for Haida Gwaii.
Foreign Office
May 8th 1852
Sir,
I transmit to you herewith Copies of a Letter and its Enclosures
from the Hudson's Bay Company respecting the Proceedings of certain
Adventurers at Queen Charlotte's Island, and I am directed by the Earl
of Malmesbury to request that you will inform Secretary Sir John
Pakington that His Lordship has signified to the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty Her Majesty's Commands that the Commander in chief of Her
Majesty's Naval Forces on the West Coast of America be instructed to
take immediate steps
steps to protect British Property and British Territory
from violation by Foreigners.
steps to protect British Property and British Territory
from violation by Foreigners.
Herman Merivale Esq
&. &. &c
&. &. &c
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
The Foreign Office appear to have done at once that which it has been in contemplation here to do. Presuming that that Office has apprized the Hudson's Bay Co of the orders given to the Admiralty it only remains for Sir J. Pakington to announce to Governor Douglas the steps taken by the F.O. for the protection of Q. Charlotte Island, & if it can be ascertained, what the Admy can do in the matter. You are aware that there are drafts in circulation with former papers on this subject.
The Foreign Office appear to have done at once that which it has been in contemplation here to do. Presuming that that Office has apprized the Hudson's Bay Co of the orders given to the Admiralty it only remains for Sir J. Pakington to announce to Governor Douglas the steps taken by the F.O. for the protection of Q. Charlotte Island, & if it can be ascertained, what the Admy can do in the matter. You are aware that there are drafts in circulation with former papers on this subject.
ABd
11 May/52
A draft conveying similar instructions to the Admiralty from Sir J.
Pakington is in circulation. It remains only to consider the Civil
measures to be adopted.
As to the questions here asked by Gov. Douglas, whether American
vessels trading to Q. Charlotte's Id would be liable to seizure, the
answer I imagine is in the negative. See the opinion of the Law
Advisers on the proceedings of the Govr of the Gambia, forwarded
yesterday. Those gentlemen point out the serious consequences which may
follow their own opinion.
HM
May 13
Is the question as to legality of Seizing American Vessels under
certain circes one for my decision. I apprehend not.
I presume my instructions to the Admlty shd still be sent—to
which Dept does it belong strictly, to issue such instructions?
JSP
13
I had an interview with a Mr Greenall last Monday who made
several suggestions worthy of consideration, one relating to Q.
Charlotte's and Vancouvers Island, which I embodied in a short minute
now in Sir J. Pakington's hands.
D
17
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Pelly, Hudson's Bay Company, to Malmesbury, 6 May 1852,
forwarding correspondence relating to the colony.
Douglas to Moresby, 29 January 1852, informing him
of the "projects entertained by certain adventurers of Oregon &
California in reference to Queen Charlotte's Island."
Ballenden to Barclay, Hudson's Bay Company, 7 March
1852, extract providing information of a vessel which had set sail from
Olympia bound for Queen Charlotte Island.
People in this document
Cuffe, 3rd Earl of Desart John Otway O'Conner