Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Williams, A. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 27 July 1858, CO 305:9, no. 8034, 677.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Williams re-submits his plea for free land grants on Vancouver Island for Canadians. He assures the CO that he desires settlement and not the acquisition
of gold.
The minutes answer “as usual” that free land grants are not available.
Enclosed is a letter from the CO to Head asking him to acknowledge Williams’ request and advise him that free grants of land are not available to persons immigrating
to Vancouver Island or British Columbia.
Williams to Secretary of State
I beg to call your attention to certain documents, relative to
the Settlement of Vancouver's Island and the adjoining British
Coast, that I had the honour to transmit, in May last, for your
Consideration. Your lordship will perceive from the date of my
first Communication to Mr Labouchere, in April 1857, that the
Settlement
of the island, and not the acquisition
of Gold, is the inducement for the projected emigration.
of the island, and not the acquisition
of Gold, is the inducement for the projected emigration.
As the expense and danger of removing so far either by the way
of the Isthmus of Panama or across the Continent will be very
considerable; and must greatly lessen the means of the
immigrants; we confidently anticipate that her Majesty's
government will be graciously pleased to allow free grants of
land to actual Settlers (being British Subjects)
so that what
little means may remain to the immigrant after reaching his
destination may be available for the purpose of creating a home
for his family.
so that what
little means may remain to the immigrant after reaching his
destination may be available for the purpose of creating a home
for his family.
As this communication to your lordship, has no reference to
Canada or Canadian affairs, may I take the liberty to request,
that your lordship will be pleased to direct the answer to me,
without the intervention of the Secretary of the Governor of Canada.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
Ansr through the Governor, as usual, that free grants of land are not made to persons desirous of establishing themselves in V.Couver's Island, or B. Columbia.
Ansr through the Governor, as usual, that free grants of land are not made to persons desirous of establishing themselves in V.Couver's Island, or B. Columbia.
ABd
13 Augt
Annex dt.
HM
A 15
Other documents included in the file
Colonial Office to Sir Edmund Head, 18 August 1858, asking him
to acknowledge the letter and advise Williams that free grants of
land are not available to persons immigrating to Vancouver Island
or British Columbia.