XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Correspondence (private letter)
Allen, B. G. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 10 January 1859, CO 305:13, no. 480, 218.

Abstract
Correspondence (private letter). Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).
Allen asks the Colonial Office to appoint William Burlington Smith to a position in government on Vancouver Island, especially Collector of Customs or Post Master. Allen admits he knows nothing about Smith, but he feels obligated to contact the Colonial Office on Smith’s behalf to preserve his relationships in the area.
The minutes point out that there is already a Collector of Customs in place and there is no position of Post Master in Victoria.
Enclosed is a draft from Carnarvon to Allen stating the government was not able to offer Smith any appointment; and a memorial recommending Smith for the position of postmaster or collector of customs.
Allen to Lytton
The Hall
Burnham
Bridgwater
10th January 1859
Sir
Herewith I beg to enclose you a document in the shape of a memorial or application on behalf of a Mr William Burlington Smith who is anxious it seems to get some appointment under Government in Vancouver's Manuscript imageIsland. I know nothing of Mr Smith, but I can vouch for the respectability of all the parties who have signed the document which is a curious one.
Seems a straightforward one.
[HM]
I have to apologize for thus intruding myself on you, but being an Honorary Agent for Messrs Miles and Knatchbull in this neighbourhood I could Manuscript imagenot refuse inclosing the document to you without giving offence and to a certain degree injuring my influence with some of their friends.
I have the honor to subscribe myself
Your very obedt Servant
B.G. Allen

The Right Honble
Sir E.L.B. Lytton, Bart.
Her Majesty's Secretary for the Colonies
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
This is an application for the appointment of Collector of Customs or Post Master at Victoria Van Couvers Island. There is a Collector there, & I am not aware of any intention to appoint a Post Master. There is no doubt some officer in Victoria charged with the duties of Post Master.
VJ 15 Jan
HM Jan 15
Annex dt stating the office of Coll. of Customs is already filled & that at present there is no intention of creating from home any such fresh appointment as that of P. Master.
C Jany [cut off file]
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Carnarvon to Allen, 20 January 1859, stating the government was not able to offer Smith any appointment.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Memorial dated 29 November 1858 recommending Smith, "a resident in Government Street, Victoria," to fill the position of postmaster or collector of customs at Victoria (eight signatures).
Allen, B. G. to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 10 January 1859, CO 305:13, no. 480, 218. 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/V596A01.html.

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