Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Stanley, Lord Edward Henry 15 June 1858, CO 60:1, no. 7829, 50.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Douglas informs the CO of requests from Victoria merchants to trade with miners on the Fraser River. The region is still “secured” by a “Statute” to the HBC but Douglas anticipates that the area will be opened up for settlement and the HBC will be compensated.
Enclosed is a petition signed by James Yates and other Victoria merchants requesting free trade with the mining population of Fraser River.
No. 25
1. I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of an address
presented to me in the 12th of Instant by a Committee appointed
for that purpose at a public meeting lately held at this place.
2. I informed the committee in reply to their address that
I had lately returned from the Mines of Fraser's River, and that
there was really no actual distress for wantof
of provisions among the
mining population, in all the accessible parts of the country, and
that care would be taken to provide for all their wants.
of provisions among the
mining population, in all the accessible parts of the country, and
that care would be taken to provide for all their wants.
3. That I had no authority to throw open the trade of Fraser's
River, which was secured by Statute to the Hudson's Bay Company, but
that I had addressed Her Majesty's Government on that subject,
recommending the opening of the Fraser's River District for settlement,
and I was of opinion that course would be taken, and compensation be
made to the Hudson's Bay Company for any sacrifice of interest they
may be called upon to make.
4. I also informed them that the progress of this Colony
occupied my careful attention,and
and that its growing interests would
be carefully protected.
and that its growing interests would
be carefully protected.
5. I also promised to forward their address.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Petition signed by James Yates, M. [Noyes?], J.H. Doane, J.A.R.
Homer, C.A. Bayley, and [Eaunid?Edmund?]
Green,
1
9 June 1858, requesting free trade with the mining population
of Fraser River.