<persName ref="prs:douglas_j"><surname>Douglas</surname>, <forename>James</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:newcastle"><surname>Pelham-Clinton</surname>, <forename>Henry</forename> <forename>Pelham</forename> <forename>Fiennes</forename></persName> 4 November 1862, CO 60:13, no. 12257, 482. Douglas addressee Newcastle

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 4 November 1862, CO 60:13, no. 12257, 482.The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.6, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/B62045.html. CO 60:13 CO 60 13 12257 482 45 B.C. 1862 received 22 December co_60_13_00477r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Despatch to London. Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).

Douglas informs Newcastle that some of the Assistant Gold Commissioners, and their Subordinates have been accused of engaging in mining speculation and that there is evidence to support the accusations. Douglas outlines a plan to prevent public officials from engaging in speculation in the future and asks Newcastle for his approval.

Douglas, James Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes Inserted revisionDesc. Added abstract.
No. 45 12257, CO 60/13, p. 482; received 22 December 4 November 1862

Rumours have recently reached me that some of the Assistant Gold Commissioners, and their Subordinates, have more or less directly or indirectly, entered into Mining speculations; that is to say have become personally interested in Mining affairs, eitherdirectly directly by taking up a mining claim, or by purchasing an interest in a claim, or indirectly by investing money in claims upon behalf of relatives or friends.

2. I have not yet been able to ascertain the entire truth of these reports, but I much fear, from the fact of one of the Subordinate Officers having suddenly resigned his situation, and immediately afterwards become the avowed possessor of a rich claim at Carribou, that they are not altogether destitute of foundations.I I, therefore, have not hesitated to address a Circular to such Officers, and, generally, to Officers throughout the Colony, distinctly and peremptorily forbidding any such practices.

3. I am well aware that the temptations offered to Officers in a gold producing Country are of no ordinary character, and the more especially were they so, during the past season at Carribou, for with the famine prices of provisions, flour at one time being upwards of Six Shillings a pound!—it has been a hard struggle with some of them toprocure procure the bare means of subsistence, notwithstanding their apparent high rate of salary, but, still, I can entertain no doubt of the serious evil which may result in such a Country from Officers being in any way mixed up with matters, which, sooner or later, can hardly fail to be affected, one way or the other, by the decisions which they may find themselves called upon to give, and I have therefore imperatively laid down the rule that Officers must surrender their interests in such speculations, or abandon the service of the Government.

I

4. I enclose a copy of the Circulars which I have caused to be issued, and, as I doubt not that the question has arisen in other Colonies somewhat similarly circumstanced to British Columbia. I should feel thankful if Your Grace would favor me with your views thereupon, and advise me how far, in a new Colony, it may be just for a Government to prevent its Servants from investing their Savings in the enterprises which such a Country offers.

I have the honor to be My Lord Duke Your Graces most obedient and humble Servant James Douglas
Mr Elliot Approve the Circular addressed to the Gold Commissioners? I cannot ascertain on enquiry that a similar question has ever arisen in any other Colony. VJ 24 Dec
A very proper Circular indeed, I think. TFE 26/12 N 27
Circular, Douglas to Heads of Departments, 30 October 1862, forwarding a second circular as noted below, and advising that the principle therein expressed should be known to all officers in the colony.
Circular, Douglas to Assistant Gold Commissioners, 30 October 1862, advising that no public officials could engage in mining speculation and still hold office in the colony, with explanation.
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 1, 1 January 1863, approving his plan to prevent public officials from engaging in mining speculation.