<persName ref="prs:kennedy_a"><surname>Kennedy</surname>, <forename>Arthur</forename></persName> to <persName ref="prs:cardwell"><surname>Cardwell</surname>, <forename>Edward</forename></persName> 12 May 1866, CO 305:28, no. 6399, 371. Kennedy addressee Cardwell

Published by Jim Hendrickson and the University of Victoria.

Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 12 May 1866, CO 305:28, no. 6399, 371.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/V66033.html. CO 305:28 CO 305 28 6399 371 33 Legislative V.I. 1866 received 4 July co_305_28_00374r.jpg Transcribed from microfilm archives, marked up in Waterloo Script, then transformed into TEI P5 XML.

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Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 12 May 1866, CO 305:28, no. 6399, 371.

Despatch to London. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1), Marginalia (1).

 Kennedy, Arthur Cardwell, Edward Inserted revisionDesc.
No. 33, Legislative 6399, CO 305/28, p. 371; received 4 July 12th May 1866 Sir,

Referring to your Despatch No 41 dated 3rd October 1864, I have the honor to inform you that I caused a Bill to establish a Volunteer Force in this Colony to be introduced by the proper officer in the Legislative Council.

The Bill after undergoing certain amendments passed that Bodyin in the form I now enclose.

It was transmitted in due course to the Legislative Assembly where it was objected to on the allegation that it was "a money Bill," and thrown out without discussion.

An honorable Member of the Legislative Assembly thereupon asked leave to introduce a Bill having the same object. Leave was refused, one Member alleging that "the Bill wasunnecessary unnecessary," and another honorable Member "did not consider such a Bill advisable in a small community like this."

I have reason to think that the 9th Clause of the enclosed Bill (which was introduced in conformity with your Despatch No 66, 7th November 1865) * was the main obstacle to the passing of the Bill—indeed the language used in debate by the principal objector confirms this view.

Enclosed

Enclosed are newspaper reports of the Debates—the only information which has, or is likely to reach me on the subject.

Looking to the peculiar circumstances and surroundings of this Colony, I cannot but regard the decision arrived at by the Legislative Assembly as very unfortunate.

About 110 men have been enrolled, equipped and drilledunder under competent and loyal Officers, never doubting that a local Act to legalize their organization would pass.

I do not propose for the present to interfere with their military training in the hope that a better spirit may prevail in a future Session.

You are aware that provision is made for an Inspector, Serjeant and five policemen only for the whole Colony, and that I amwithout without troops of any kind. In this state of things a Volunteer Force becomes all the more necessary.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant A.E. Kennedy Governor
Mr Elliot Copy to W.O. for information. See the annexed former papers. As Victoria is composed of a chiefly American population it wdwould seem more than hazardous to drill and equip a body of men who might use their knowledge & arms agt ourselves. So long as the force consists of British Subjects it may be as valuable to the community as volunteers are elsewhere. ABd 10 July
To War Office for information? TFE 10/7
At once. CBA 11/7
Printed copy of "A Bill Entitled An Act to establish a Volunteer Force," as per despatch.
Newspaper clippings, British Colonist, 8 and 10 May 1866, and Chronicle, 8 and 10 May 1866, reporting debate on the volunteer bill.
Elliot to Under-Secretary of State for War, 14 July 1866, forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosures.
[Note on above:] Lieutenant Sir E. Lugard presents his compliments to Mr Elliot and begs to return the enclosures of his letter of 14 Instant relative to a Bill to establish a Volunteer Force in Vancouver Island. War Office 19 July 1866
Which refused the admission of non naturalized residents into the Corps. ABd