XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Correspondence (private letter)
Macdonald, D. G. F. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 31 August 1858, CO 305:9, no. 8855, 641.

Abstract
Correspondence (private letter). Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Macdonald announces his intention of emigrating to Vancouver Island and enquires if there will be a “system of free immigration” which would encourage people from rural districts of England and Scotland to move there.
The minutes refer Macdonald to the HBC for his information.
Enclosed is a draft from Merivale to Macdonald advising him to contact the HBC if immediate emigration was his object.
Macdonald to Lytton
18 Parliament Street
Augt 31 1858 To the Right Honourable
Sir E. Bulwer Lytton Bart, M.P. &c &c
H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies
Sir;
I am about to proceed to Vancouver's Island as a permanent settler, both as a practical Agriculturist and a professional man; and I am desirous of bringing with me Farm labourers from Scotland as well as the necessary implements of husbandry, but I am not prepared to be at a heavy expense in taking out these requisites.
May I therefore request the honour to be informed whether it is your intention, and that of Her Majesty's Government, to adopt a system of free emigration. If so, my intimate acquaintance withManuscript image the rural districts of England and Scotland, and my influence with the people of the northern parts of the latter country, qualifies me for selecting and inducing that so very indispensable help to emigrate to the above Island.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedt humble Sert
D.G.F. Macdonald
Cl[erk] and
J.P. for Rossre
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
The Writer should I presume be referred to the Hudson's Bay Company for information?
VJ 2 Sepr
I annex a draft which may serve as a precedent when similar enquiries are made.
HM S 2
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Merivale to Macdonald, 4 September 1858, advising him to contact the Hudson's Bay Company if immediate emigration was his object.
Macdonald, D. G. F. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 31 August 1858, CO 305:9, no. 8855, 641. The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.0, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/V586M01.html.

Last modified: 2020-03-30 13:22:16 -0700 (Mon, 30 Mar 2020) (SVN revision: 4193)