Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Shepherd, Captain, HBC Governor John to Labouchere, Henry 16 September 1856, CO 305:7, no. 8707, 371.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (5), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
Shepherd writes to “transmit” a copy of HBC expenses on Vancouver Island up to 31 May 1855 to the Colonial Office. He notes the exclusion of expenses surround the use of steamship
“Otter.”
The minutes refrain from comment until Douglas submits his “statement.”
Enclosed in this document is a letter from Elliot to Shepherd acknowledging receipt of Shepherd’s statement but informing him that Labouchere will reserve “for the present the expression of his opinion upon those accounts.”
Also included is a copy of the HBC “Statement of Expenses” and “Statements of the
Vancouver Island Trust Account.”
Shepherd to Labouchere
Hudson's Bay House
September 16th 1856
Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Merivale's
letter of the 30th Ultimo enclosing the copy of a Despatch from the
Governor of Vancouver's Island, and requesting with reference thereto
that a statement of the sums expended in this Country by the Hudson's
Bay Company on account of that Settlement, and which Mr Douglas
states that it is not in his power to furnish, may be prepared and
transmitted to the Colonial Department.
I have accordingly the honour of transmitting the statement
required, completed up to the present time in extension of a previous
account made up for the information of the Governor and Committee to the
31st May 1855.
Also the Vancouver's Island
Island Trust Account, rendered to the latest
date to which our information extends, shewing the receipts from land,
and from other sources, and the application of the monies to public
uses.
Island Trust Account, rendered to the latest
date to which our information extends, shewing the receipts from land,
and from other sources, and the application of the monies to public
uses.
There is one important item of expenditure which has not been
Placed to the Account although it was caused by the Company's occupation
of the Island. I allude to the Steam Ship "Otter."
This vessel has been greatly instrumental in protecting the Colony,
and contributing in numerous ways to the comfort of the inhabitants; at
the same time the Vessel has been employed when not otherwise required,
in carrying Stores &c to other portions of the Company's territory, and
under such circumstances, we have not included her cost and maintenance
in the Account.
Referring to the charge for
for the maintenance of 350 Settlers for one
year, it is proper to explain that it was found necessary to allow these
persons wages from the date of their embarkation on board ship in this
Country, that the voyages average nearly six months; and further, for
the first half year after their arrival on the Island, they were unable
to provide for themselves.
for the maintenance of 350 Settlers for one
year, it is proper to explain that it was found necessary to allow these
persons wages from the date of their embarkation on board ship in this
Country, that the voyages average nearly six months; and further, for
the first half year after their arrival on the Island, they were unable
to provide for themselves.
With regard to the value of the Company's "Establishments,
Property, and Effects" on the Island, such as the buildings not included
in the present account, the Wharves and the improvement of land &c; an
account of the cost or value can only be rendered by the Company's
officers at Fort Vancouver Columbia River, and the current worth would
probably have to be ascertained by competent valuers on the spot.
Whilst transmitting this Account I beg to observe that several
several of
the items are necessarily estimates, but I venture to assure you
that the greatest care has been taken with a view of not enhancing the
amount beyond a fair and just valuation, and we shall be fully prepared
if required, to explain the grounds upon which they have been formed.
several of
the items are necessarily estimates, but I venture to assure you
that the greatest care has been taken with a view of not enhancing the
amount beyond a fair and just valuation, and we shall be fully prepared
if required, to explain the grounds upon which they have been formed.
Minutes by CO staff
Acke receipt & put by till the Governor's further information
arrives.
Mr Blackwood
I scarcely like even to ackge the receipt without noticing what seems to me quite monstrous charges.
I scarcely like even to ackge the receipt without noticing what seems to me quite monstrous charges.
I will speak to you next week when you have time to bring this to
me again.
JB
26 Sept
Mr Ball
I felt the same difficulty that you do, but I think it might be met by adding to the ackt that Mr L. reserves for the present the expression of his opinion on the account submitted to him.
I felt the same difficulty that you do, but I think it might be met by adding to the ackt that Mr L. reserves for the present the expression of his opinion on the account submitted to him.
ABd
1 Octr
JB
10 Oct
I think that the terms suggested by Mr Blackwood will do for the
answer.
answer.
HL
14 Octr
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
1. "Statement of Expenses incurred by the Hudson's Bay Company in
promoting the colonization of Vancouvers Island in taking out Settlers,
establishing Farms, searching for Coals &c &c &c," signed by Edward
Roberts, Accountant, Hudson's Bay House, London, 16 September 1856.
