Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Williams, A. to Stanley, Lord Edward Henry 8 May 1858, CO 305:9, no. 5409, 669.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (4), Other documents (1).
Williams hopes to convince the Colonial Office of the benefits of free land grants on Vancouver Island. He promises an orderly settlement of loyal subjects which would counter any attempts
at settlement of Americans with their “lawless habits and wild theories.”
The minutes wish to thank Williams for his suggestions but respond that the Secretary of State can only consider the
proposals if submitted through the Canadian Government.
Williams to Secretary of State
I beg to call your attention to the accompanying documents,
which I have the honour to transmit for your consideration.
They consist of; copy of letter to the late Secty for the
Colonies, Mr Labouchere, with the reply to the Same; copy of
letter to the Governor of Vancouvers Island; account of
proceedings of a meeting held at Aylmer to consider the subject
of emigration to said Island. The letter addressed to His
Excellency the Governor of Vancouvers Island, together with the
report of the meeting held in Aylmer C.W. there is reason to
fear, have never been forwarded to their destination; the Post
Office, with all its contents, having been consumed by fire, a
few days after the letters were deposited therein. Your
Lordship will permit me to observe, that the emigration from
Canada would be of that description, most likely to Keep in
check the lawless habits and wild theories of certain restless
adventurers, who so abound in the neighbouring States, should
they ever venture to make Vancouver Island the Scene of their operation.
Lordship will permit me to observe, that the emigration from
Canada would be of that description, most likely to Keep in
check the lawless habits and wild theories of certain restless
adventurers, who so abound in the neighbouring States, should
they ever venture to make Vancouver Island the Scene of their operation.
In the Settlement of Canada West certain tracts of land were
appropriated to certain classes or nationalities such as the
"Scotch Block" "Irish Block" "Canadian Block" &c &c. I think,
my Lord, that in a political point of view, such an arrangement
is judicious; and if I might presume, I would suggest, that as
far, at least, as Canadian emigration is concerned, the same
plan be adopted in regard to Vancouvers Island. The Hudson Bay
Company have hitherto held the land at one pound Stg. per acre.
Free grants
have only been given to their employees. When it is
considered that, on the Main land, with a climate and soil
equal, if not superior, land can be purchased for one fourth
that price, it is not surprising that the island still remains a
comparative desert. After all the hardship and expense incurred
by the emigrant in reaching so distant a spot, would not the
free grant of a lot of land to the actual Settler be both
judicious and paternal? In this Section of Canada the System
of free grants was adopted; and, under the judicious management
of the late Colonel Talbot, with the happiest results. In
conclusion, I would beg to remark, that for many years there has
been a steady emigration
from Canada; which arises not from political feeling, but from the
superiority of climate, and the greater facilities offered by
the neighbouring Republic for the acquisition of land. In York
State alone there are upwards of 30,000 Canadians and in the
western States the proportions must be far greater.
have only been given to their employees. When it is
considered that, on the Main land, with a climate and soil
equal, if not superior, land can be purchased for one fourth
that price, it is not surprising that the island still remains a
comparative desert. After all the hardship and expense incurred
by the emigrant in reaching so distant a spot, would not the
free grant of a lot of land to the actual Settler be both
judicious and paternal? In this Section of Canada the System
of free grants was adopted; and, under the judicious management
of the late Colonel Talbot, with the happiest results. In
conclusion, I would beg to remark, that for many years there has
been a steady emigration
from Canada; which arises not from political feeling, but from the
superiority of climate, and the greater facilities offered by
the neighbouring Republic for the acquisition of land. In York
State alone there are upwards of 30,000 Canadians and in the
western States the proportions must be far greater.
Your lordship will confer a favour by directing an early reply
to this communication, so that the intentions of her Majesty's
Government with respect to Settlement in Vancouvers Island and
the adjoining British Coast, may be placed before the Committee
appointed by the meeting of the 12th Sept 1857 with as little
delay as possible.
Minutes by CO staff
Answer (through the Governor) that the Secy of State thanks the
writer for his suggestions, but that he can only consider the
proposals of the meeting held at Aylmer if regularly submitted
to him through the Canadian Government.
HM
June 4
Annex draft.
C
June 4
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Williams to Secretary of State, 23 April 1857, asking under what
terms the government would be prepared to encourage settlement
in Vancouver Island.
R.T. Pennefather, Secretary to the Governor, Toronto, to
Williams, 29 June 1857, advising
that "Her Majesty's Government have not yet taken any steps
to open the Island to Settlement nor adopted any definate terms
for the disposal of land to Immigrants."
Williams to Douglas, 18 September 1857, suggesting the
advantages of promoting Canadian emigration to Vancouver Island
by setting aside a portion of land for settlement.
Minutes of meeting held 12 September 1857 in Aylmer, Canada
West, for the purpose of promoting emigration to Vancouver
Island.