<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> 19 February 1861, CO 305:17, no. 4319, 113. Douglas addressee Newcastle

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 19 February 1861, CO 305:17, no. 4319, 113.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/V61019.html. CO 305:17 CO 305 17 4319 113 19 V.I. 1861 received 13 May co_305_17_00115r.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), Other documents (1).

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Douglas acknowledges receipt of Newcastle's despatch no. 40 dated 17 October 1860 that addresses the steps Douglas had taken to preserve tranquility in the Colony during the period of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria. Douglas assures Newcastle that he has assembled a volunteer military force, and asks the Colonial Office to send five hundred firearms for that force to use.

Douglas, James Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes Inserted revisionDesc. added, edited, or reviewed abstract
No. 19 4319, CO 305/17, p. 113; received 13 May 19 February 1861

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Despatch No 40, of the 17th of October last, upon the subject of my reports respecting the means taken to preserve tranquility in the Colonyduring during the period of a large influx of Indians into the neighbourhood of Victoria.

2. I am gratified to learn that the measures I adopted were such as to be in harmony with the views of Her Majesty's Government, and I feel much indebted for the advice and suggestions contained in the Despatch.

3. With respect to the latter part in which I am urged to encouragethe the formation of a volunteer force, I beg to assure Your Grace that I have not overlooked this matter. The desire exists on the part of the Colonists, but unfortunately one of the most essential requirements is wanting.

4. A Volunteer Rifle Corps has been formed amongst the coloured population, which I have fostered to the best of my ability by encouraging them to proceed, and byobtaining obtaining the services of a Drill Sergeant from Her Majesty's Ships; and so great is the esprit exhibited by them that they have built themselves a Hall, and pay the Drill Sergeant most handsomely for each instruction: but they want Firearms, and have applied to me to render them this assistance, which at present I am unable to do.

5. The most respectableof of the white residents are also fully prepared to enrol themselves as a volunteer force, the only drawback is a want of efficient Firearms. In fact, had I been capable of supplying these, a most valuable corps would have been formed at the time of the American occupation of San Juan.

6. The smallness of the Colonial Revenue and the infant state of theColony Colony will not admit of the necessary Firearms being procured by the Colony; I trust therefore that Her Majesty's Government will Extend their assistance in this matter, and if they will but furnish 500 stand of arms, I will engage on my part to form a volunteer force that I can safely assert will be no discredit to the Empire.

I have I have the honor to be My Lord Duke, Your Grace's most obedient and humble Servant James Douglas
Mr Elliot Ask the War Office if they can, & will supply these fire-arms to the V.C. Island volunteer force. If the War Office assents they will have to be sent in some vessel of War round the Horn. ABd 15/5
The next time that a vessel of War happens to be going that way. To War Office? TFE 16 May CF 17 N 19
Elliot to Under Secretary of State, War Office, 22 May 1861, forwarding copy of the despatch and asking if it would be possible to comply with the governor's request.