<persName ref="prs:hamilton_ga"><surname>Hamilton</surname>, <forename>George</forename> <forename>Alexander</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:elliot_tf"><surname>Elliot</surname>, <forename>Thomas</forename> <forename>Frederick</forename></persName> 21 August 1861, CO 305:18, no. 7614, 326. Hamilton addressee Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Hamilton, George Alexander to Elliot, Thomas Frederick 21 August 1861, CO 305:18, no. 7614, 326.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/V615TE07.html. CO 305:18 CO 305 18 7614 326 V.I. 1861 received 22 August co_305_18_00327r.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.

Public Offices document. Minutes (5), Other documents (2).

Hamilton writes Elliot, on behalf of the Treasury, to inform Newcastle that the Treasury agrees that an accountant should review the HBC's financial records as part of negotiations between the government and the company concerning the HBC's claim for compensation for costs incurred on Vancouver Island prior to the colony's reconveyance. However, the Treasury suggests that this review would be more effectively, and cheaply, done by the Audit Office, or by Gentlemen of Experience in the Audit Office. The minutes show that Colonial Office staff agree.

Hamilton, George Alexander
Treasury Chambers
Elliot, Thomas Frederick Inserted revisionDesc. added, edited, or reviewed abstract
Hamilton to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary) 7614, CO 305/18, p. 326; received 22 August
Treasury Chambers
21 August 1861

With reference to your letter of the 29th ult I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majestys Treasury to acquaint you that Their Lordships concur with the Duke of Newcastle that the accounts of the Hudson's Bay Company should be subjected to a strict examination before any further payment to the Company is made. My Lords, however, have to suggest whether such an examination might not be undertaken either by the Audit Office, or by Gentlemen of Experience in the Audit Office, and the largecharges charges incidental to the employment of a Professional Accountant thereby avoided.

If His Grace, after communication with the Hudson's Bay Company, should approve of the course recommended my Lords will be prepared to give the necessary instructions on the subject.

I am etc. Geo. A. Hamilton
Sir F. Rogers EBP 22-8/61
Mr Fortescue I think this wdwould be much better than the Accountant. But the gentleman apptd shdshould be placed in communication with this Office, & it shdshould be pointed out to the Treasy at once that it will be impossible to apply to the books of a Trading Compy the same kind of rules as are applied to those of public accountants & that the officer employed should be made clearly aware of this in order to avoid minute controversies whwhich wdwould lead to nothing. FR 22/8
Yes. It is a pity that we did not sooner obtain the Try opinion—wh. wd. have saved delay & trouble. CF 22
I concur. N 24
Rogers to Emigration Commissioners, 30 August 1861, advising that the examination of the company's accounts was to be conducted by a gentleman of experience in the Audit Office and directing them to decline the services of accounting firm Coleman, Turquand, Youngs & Co.
Sir F. Rogers I suppose this Draft ought to be written. EBP
*
Rogers to Hamilton, 30 August 1861, agreeing with the Treasury's suggestion, with additional remarks.