I beg leave most respectfully to enclose herewith for your Grace's
consideration documents shewing my Public Services in the War Office
the same having been returned to me by my Agents Mess
rs Cox & C
o
from
Mr Ellice by whom I had great expectation that he would
intercede and procure for me a free grant of Land in
Van Couvers
Island from the Government, for the loss that I have sustained on
leaving Office, in not having that allowance granted to me that I was
entitled upon every principle of equity and justice.
From
Mr Ellice's note to my Agents herewith enclosed also, it will
appear that no grant of Land will be given in your Grace's Department.
I shall feel obliged to know on my arrival on
the Island in question,
whether the Governor will have the power to comply with my request
and allow the same to myself and Family.
I most humbly submit that your Grace will be pleased to peruse the
Papers enclosed, having done so, the boon I now beg cannot be withheld
from
My Lord Duke
Your Grace's Most obedient humble Servant
Robert Forbes
(late War Office)
Other documents included in the file
Draft,
Colonial Office to
Forbes,
26 November 1859, advising that "the
public land in
Vancouver Island can only be disposed of by Sale in
accordance with established rules."