Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Anonymous to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 21 August 1858, CO 6:27, no. 8563, 10.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (2), Marginalia (1).
This anonymous author expresses concern over rumours that Colonel Moody would be the new governor of British Columbia. Having known Moody during his appointment in the Falkland Islands, the writer considers Moody incapable “to judge impartially or act with energy on any practical business at Law
or Government." The writer claims to have intentions of investing in the new colony
but have “given orders to stop [his] preparations” until they have more information
on who is to be the governor.
The minutes note that Moody was a lieutenant and “young” when at the Falklands. “There is no doubt that he erred sometimes,” Blackwood explains, “but he was presiding over a very difficult, slanderous, troublesome community.”
However, considering Moody is not going to be Governor of BC, “this Anonymous communication is inapplicable.”
Anonymous to Lytton
In the Military and Naval intelligence of the Times of this morning it is said that
Col. Moody has been appointed Govr of the new Colony of British Columbia.
I and my Partner had good opportunity of knowing the Col in the Falkland Islands and it was well known there that he was either recalled by Earl Grey or had his conduct so severely criticized as to oblige him to resign. We have personally
no complaints to make of the Governor but it was well known that he possesses neither
energy nor discrimination for a place of the sort. He put himself completely into
the hands of the Doctors family at Falklands who kept him always in hot water with every body and when Ships of War came the Officers
and the Governor were always quarrelling they laughed and amused themselves with
his pompous vanities in 
trying to be a great man.
trying to be a great man.I and [my] Partner had nearly resolved in investing largely in the New Colony but
we have been struck with amazement at hearing of this appointment. The Col may be
a very good Engineer to Map the Country but we have immediately given orders to stop
our preparations until we know whether the Gov. is the Col knowing his incapacity
to judge impartially or act with energy on any practical business at Law or Government.
Trusting you will enquire carefully as to the former proceedings of the Coll before you place him in a situation which the writer with no personal ill will
knows him to be quite unfitted for, and cannot put himself or friends under him.
When a man conducts himself creditably as Col Moody has done in Scotland would it not be better to leave him in his right place.
Respectfully asking pardon 
for the liberties we have taken
We are his Graces humble
Servants of several years
experience of the Falklands
Islands in Gov Moodys
time.
for the liberties we have takenWe are his Graces humble
Servants of several years
experience of the Falklands
Islands in Gov Moodys
time.
Registered Anonymous.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr. Merivale
As Colonel Moody is only going out for a year & not in the capacity of Governor this Anonymous communication is inapplicable.
When Moody went to the Falklds he was only a Lt. and young. There is no doubt that he erred sometimes, but he was presiding over a very difficult, slanderous, troublesome community. Nevertheless on the whole he aquitted himself creditably; & whatever he did was done with ability. My notion is that he is entitled to have his errors at the Falklands viewed leniently; & that they do not disqualify him from serving as C. Commissioner of Lands in B. Columbia.
As Colonel Moody is only going out for a year & not in the capacity of Governor this Anonymous communication is inapplicable.
When Moody went to the Falklds he was only a Lt. and young. There is no doubt that he erred sometimes, but he was presiding over a very difficult, slanderous, troublesome community. Nevertheless on the whole he aquitted himself creditably; & whatever he did was done with ability. My notion is that he is entitled to have his errors at the Falklands viewed leniently; & that they do not disqualify him from serving as C. Commissioner of Lands in B. Columbia.
ABd.
23 Augt.