<persName ref="prs:needham"><surname>Needham</surname>, <forename>Joseph</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:grenville_r"><surname>Grenville</surname>, <forename>Richard</forename></persName> 12 December 1867, CO 60:31, no. 1257, 332. Needham addressee Buckingham

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Needham, Joseph to Grenville, Richard 12 December 1867, CO 60:31, no. 1257, 332.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/B676N01.html. CO 60:31 CO 60 31 1257 332 B.C. 1867registered 4 February 1868 co_60_31_00333r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

The project glossary items have xml:id attributes beginning with trm_, and we use a trm: prefix to refer to them when linking from term elements.

We link to orgs in orgs/organizations.xml using the org: prefix.

We link to places in places.xml using the plc: prefix.

We link to people in bios/*.xml using the prs: prefix.

We link to vessels in vessels/*.xml using the vsl: prefix.

We link to other documents in the collection using the cdc: prefix.

The cdt (ColDesp Document Type) prefix used on catRef/target points to a central taxonomy in the includes file.

We link to other documents in the collection using the cdc: prefix.

Correspondence (private letter). Minutes (3).

Needham declines the offer to descend to a position altogether inferior in rank and explains why he cannot accept a lower position than Chief Justice in British Columbia. Cox’s minute notes that Needham already telegraphed his refusal. Adderley’s minute explains why Needham was offered a different position in British Columbia .

Needham, Joseph
Victoria V.I.
Grenville, Richard Added abstract. Inserted revisionDesc.
Needham to Buckingham 1257, CO 60/31, p. 332; registered 4 February 1868
Victoria V.I.
12th Dec 1867 My Lord Duke

I desire to explain to your Grace my reasons for venturing to decline the offer so kindly made to me by telegram in Novr last.

When I accepted the appointment I now hold I was not a briefless barrister but brought to it the experience of 25 Years labour in the highest branches of my profession & gave up an established & lucrative practise.

This is well known in Westminster Hall.

I have found to my cost how imprudent was the step. But it is difficult to go back. In money alone I am £300 poorer while political & other changes have materially altered my position for the worse.

Yet gladly as I would escape from a Colony which time has brought little but vexation disappointment & loss I could not bring my mind to descend to a position altogether inferior in rank & one which I would not originally have accepted.

I have earnestly endeavoured to fulfil the duties of my office & if I have succeeded—if as His Excellency assures me he shall acquaint your Grace—I have been able to render essential service to the Government in time of need—then I humbly submit to yr Grace whether I may not fairly indulge the hope of a change which shall raise rather than depress me in the social scale.

I trust your Grace will pardon the freedom & apparent egotism with which I have written. I can only plead necessity for the one & the interests of family as an apology for the other.

Hoping for your Grace's kind conson.

I have the honor to be Your Graces most obedient & very humble Servant Joseph Needham His Grace The Duke of Buckingham & Chandos &c &c &c
Sir F. Rogers See 8563 & Minute. Mr Needham telegraphed his refusal.

Put by.

CC 4/2 HTH FR 4/2
He does not see that the Union has abolished his Office in terms & there is no C.J. of the Colony of VCI—there being no such Colony. The offer was in relief of this accident. CBA 5/2
Put by. Mr N. has made his choice. B&C 5/2