Colonial Despatches

The documents enclosed with this despatch state that Spurgin was the English physician to whom Governor Blanshard wrote regarding the latter's continual attacks of ague. Based on Blanshard's descriptions of his own symptoms, Spurgin advised that the Governor leave Vancouver Island immediately.

Spurgin, who was from Orplands, Bradwell, Essex, was also a medical writer and an inventor. He filed a number of patents, including one for a device called an “endless ladder”—used to transport workers and instruments up and down mine shafts—and another for a system that utilizes chain-driven paddles to power water-craft.1

At Bishopsgate, on 20 September 1865, Spurgin was assaulted by thieves, who attempted to strangle him; the injuries from which eventually led to his death, on 20 March 1866.2

• 1. Anita McConnell Spurgin, John Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• 2. Ibid.