No. 11
8 April 1859
I have the honor of transmitting herewith copy of an address from the House of Assembly of Vancouver's Island dated 22d Feby praying Her Majestys Government to send Commissioners toManuscript imageto this Island, without delay, for the purpose of investigating the affairs of the Colony before releasing "the Hudson's Bay Company from their responsible government", and my answer to that address, promising to transmit, without delay, a Copy of the Same for your information.
Her Majesty's Government will decide whether it be advisable to comply with the wishes of the House of Assembly in that particular; for my own part, I do not see what advantage can resultManuscript imageresult from the measure recommended, or that any information beyond what we now possess can be elicited respecting the Colony or its connection with the Hudson's Bay Company.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Merivale
Would it not be desirable that the House of Assembly should state in greater detail what are the questions, connected with the administration of the affairs of V.C. Isd by the H.B.Co, which require investigation by Commissioners to be sent from England before the Govt takes any such steps? Though we may much suspect the Company I am at a loss to know what can be proved against them: and in a place where the influence of the Co has been so powerful it will be difficult to find witnesses able to substantitate statements made against them.
ABd 28/5
It seems to me the answer had better be somewhat to the effect of Mr Blackwood's minute?
HM May 31
Mr Blackwood
Will you be good enough to draft a desp. to this effect for this evenings mail. If any evidence worth having is to be obtained we ought to have it without Delay.
C June 1
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Notice of motion in House of Assembly, 22 February 1859, calling upon Douglas to urge the British government to send out commissioners to investigate the affairs of the colony, signed by J.S. Helmcken, Speaker.
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Douglas to House of Assembly, 6 April 1859, advising he would transmit a copy of the motion to Her Majesty's government.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Lytton to Douglas, No. 72, 1 June 1859.
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 8 April 1859, CO 305:10, no. 5453, 93. 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/V59011.html.

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