Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Pakington, Captain John Somerset to
Douglas, Sir James 18 December 1852, LAC :, 101.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
Pakington writes to Douglas to acknowledge receipt of Douglas’ report on the canoe expedition up the East Coast of Vancouver Island, and requests that, prior to the commission of an official survey of the region,
Douglas send “some competent persons” to explore the suitability of the area’s channels and
ports for coal trade.
No. 6
Downing Street
18th December 1852
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 27th
of August last, reporting the result of a Canoe Expedition which you had
made along the East Coast of the Island.
I
I have brought your recommendation with respect to the exploration
and Survey of the Coast under the notice of the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, and their Lordship's are of opinion that preparatory to
making any Survey it would be desirable that some competent persons
should make themselves acquainted with the pilotage of the principal
Channels and Ports of the District, with the view of inducing Vessels to
proceed there for the Coal or otherproduce
produce.
produce.
In furtherance of this suggestion I have to instruct you to take
any steps in your power for giving effect to it, and should it be found
that the navigation of the Arro Archipelago is practicable for large
Vessels, the Coal working profitable, and the embarkation easy, it will
no doubt be eventually desirable for Her Majesty's Government to
undertake an adequate survey of its Harbors and approaches.