Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Murray, James to Rogers, Baron Blachford Frederic 12 March 1863, CO 305:21, no. 2433, 87.
Abstract
Murray, James to Rogers, Baron Blachford Frederic 12 March 1863, CO 305:21, no. 2433, 87.
Public Offices document.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Murray to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Foreign Office
12 March 1863
Sir,
I am directed by Earl Russell to transmit to you herewith, to be laid
before the Duke of Newcastle, a copy of a Despatch from Her Majesty's
Consul at San Francisco, reporting the construction at New York of an
iron clad steamer, the "Cumanche," which is intended for service on
the coast of California.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The statements of Mr Booker, who is our very watchful & I believe efficient Consul at San Francisco add strength to the "rumors" reported by Govr Douglas in 2060.
The statements of Mr Booker, who is our very watchful & I believe efficient Consul at San Francisco add strength to the "rumors" reported by Govr Douglas in 2060.
Copy to Admy with reference to Col: Off. Lr of 6th inst.
I presume that it wd be misplaced for this office, or the For:
Office to suggest to the Admy, the inference that if the Americans
are really sending Iron
Steam Vessels of War to California we must do
the same for the protection of British interests on the N.W. coasts
of America.
Steam Vessels of War to California we must do
the same for the protection of British interests on the N.W. coasts
of America.
ABd
13/3
What ought to be done must depend on the general wants of the
Service in all parts of the World, on the comparative importance of
Each, on the credit to be attached to the present rumors, and to the
real character and efficiency of the iron clad vessels supposed to be
destined for California. The question for decision is whether we
know enough of the matter departmentally to offer an opinion to the
Admiralty or make a requisition on them for an iron ship, or whether
this letter should merely be sent to them for their information.
TFE
13 March
Duke of Newcastle
I have been in private communication with the D. of Somerset on the subject of our letter of the 6th this month. The Admiralty has not at present any iron Vessel that could be spared consistently with other
equipment but they are alive to the enquiries of the Pacific
Stations and will attend to them as soon as they can. I am surprised
to find they think they could send such a Vessel round Cape Horn.
I have been in private communication with the D. of Somerset on the subject of our letter of the 6th this month. The Admiralty has not at present any iron Vessel that could be spared consistently with other
equipment but they are alive to the enquiries of the Pacific
Stations and will attend to them as soon as they can. I am surprised
to find they think they could send such a Vessel round Cape Horn.
To Admiralty for information with reference to previous letter.
N
15
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Copy, W.L. Booker, British Consul, to [Foreign Office], 22 January
1863, providing details and dimensions of an iron clad vessel being
constructed in New York for use by the Americans off the coast of
California.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 18 March 1863, forwarding
copy of the letter from the British Consul at San Francisco for
information.
People in this document
Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes