<persName ref="prs:newcastle"><surname>Pelham-Clinton</surname>, <forename>Henry</forename> <forename>Pelham</forename> <forename>Fiennes</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:douglas_j"><surname>Douglas</surname>, <forename>James</forename></persName> 15 October 1853, LAC RG7:G8C/1, 141. Newcastle addressee Douglas

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes to Douglas, James 15 October 1853, LAC RG7:G8C/1, 141.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/V537010.html. LAC RG7:G8C/1 LAC RG7 G8C/1 141 10 V.I. 1853 received 28 February 1854 rg7_g8c_01_00080r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Despatch from London.

This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.

Newcastle writes to Douglas on the subject of the condition of the Colony, which Douglas had reported on earlier. Newcastle praises Douglas’s report on several fronts, which include the following: Aboriginal relations, and temperance; the administration of justice; the request to use ship’s carpenters and seamen to build naval storehouses; the news of increased trade; and, finally, the generally prosperous and contented condition of the Settlers.

 Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes
Downing Street
Douglas, James Inserted revisionDesc with @status="unproofed". Changed idno @type="received" into a date element. Gave existing date an @type="sent" and reordered bibl contents.
No. 10 LAC, RG7, G8C/1, p. 141; received 28 February 1854
Downing Street
15th October 1853 Sir,

1 I have received your Despatch No 8, of the 28th July last, reporting on the condition of the Colony under your Government.

2 I approve your views with regard to thecourse course to be adopted in our dealings with the Native Tribes. The interference of the local Government in the concerns of these People must be cautiously exercised. It would clearly be most unwise and impolitic, to involve ourselves in their domestic feuds, of which, as you justly observe, it is impossible for us to understand the real merits.

3 I am glad to learn that owing to the regulations of the Hudson's Bay Company the Nativeshave have been prevented from acquiring a taste for spirituous Liquors. I trust they will continue to remain free from this destructive and demoralizing vice.

4 With respect to the administration of Justice, I have already confirmed the provisional appointments to the Magistracy reported in Your Despatch No 5 of the 11th April last. I am glad to learn from your present Despatch that the effect of these appointments has been to ensure to allclasses classes of the Community a regular and impartial administration of Justice.

5 I have caused your suggestion for the employment of the Carpenters and Seamen of Her Majesty's ships stationed at Vancouver's Island in the erection of Store Houses for the use of the Navy to be submitted for the consideration and decision of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

6 In conclusion I have to express my satisfaction at your reportof of the progressive increase in the export Trade of the Colony and in the generally prosperous and contented condition of the Settlers.

I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant Newcastle Governor Douglas &c &c &c Vancouvers Island