Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Berens, Henry Hulse to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 12 August 1858, CO 6:26, no. 8056, 463.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (8), Enclosures (transcribed) (8), Marginalia (1).
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.
Berens transmits
copiousextracts from correspondence between Douglas and the HBC regarding the
Gold diggingsin BC. He sends the HBC’s commendation of Douglas’s
admirable judgementand draws the CO’s
special attentionto the fact that British Columbia
has been erected into a Colonyand the HBC is no longer responsible for supplying surveyors as Douglas requested.
The minutes note that none of this information add anything to CO intelligence and
they
Put by.
Enclosed are eight correspondences on gold mining in British Columbia and one Public Notice stating as of 21 June purchasers may pay for up to six town lots in Victoria; naming an agent who may select from the unsold lots when the plans are complete;
and applying the same rule to the sale of colonial lands in the eight surveyed districts,
including Cowichan.
Berens to Lytton
I have the honour of transmitting for your information copious extracts from the correspondence
of Governor Douglas on the subject of the Gold diggings in British Columbia and Vancouver's Island. And as an act of justice to Governor Douglas I take this opportunity of expressing the strong feeling of the Committee of the
Hudson's Bay Company on the admirable judgment with which that gentleman, in the face of unprecedented
and unlooked for difficulties, has contrived to maintain peace and order among the
lawless
crowds who have so suddenly assembled in the territory. The Committee feel confident
that Governor Douglas's [efforts] will also meet with the approbation of Her Majesty's Government.
As2n as to lawless. ABd?
As the extracts from Governor Douglas's despatches which we have sent are rather voluminous, I take the liberty of drawing
your special attention to one which appears under the date of June 23rd, with respect to the sending out of an additional number of Surveyors. Governor Douglas not being aware that this territory had been erected into a Colony, and that consequently
the authority of the Hudson's Bay Company had ceased, wrote to us to send out Surveyors. Such a duty no longer devolves upon
us, but as he seems to attach importance to the prompt arrival of assistance in the
Surveying Department, I take the liberty of drawing your attention to his request.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
It would, perhaps, be the most convenient course to allow MrBerens to peruse the late despatches to Govr Douglas, as they show that Sir E. Lytton has cordially approved Governor Douglas' general proceedings. These papers add little if anything, to the infn already furnished to this office.
It would, perhaps, be the most convenient course to allow MrBerens to peruse the late despatches to Govr Douglas, as they show that Sir E. Lytton has cordially approved Governor Douglas' general proceedings. These papers add little if anything, to the infn already furnished to this office.
ABd 14 Agt
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
1. Douglas to William G. Smith, 7 June 1858, reporting on his visit to the gold fields.
Copy of a letter from James Douglas
Esqre to W. G. Smith, Esqre, Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 7th June 1858.____
Esqre to W. G. Smith, Esqre, Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 7th June 1858.____
Sir
I have just returned from the Falls of Fraser's River, having in the course of that journey visited all the gold diggings between Fort Langley and Fort Yale. The ascent of the River by canoe, occupying about four days from Fort Langley to Fort Yale was arduous, on account of its being then in a flooded state, but not at all dangerous;
and I think that Stern wheel Steamers drawing not over 36 inches may effect the ascent
to Fort Yale at the lowest stage of water, or in fact at any Season of the year except when the
river is frozen.
I am, however, anticipating the course of my narrative. In consequence of my requisition
to Captain Prevost, Her Majesty’s Ship “Satellite” 
was anchored off the mouth of Fraser’s River, and her launch and gig, well manned and armed, proceeded with me to Fort Langley. I there appointed two Revenue Officers, uneducated men for want of better instruments,
to enforce the Revenue laws and the trading rights of the Hudson’s Bay Company, as
set forth in my Proclamation of the 8th May. They have since made seizures of several lots of contraband goods, and had 16 unlicensed
canoes in custody on my return from Fort Yale.
was anchored off the mouth of Fraser’s River, and her launch and gig, well manned and armed, proceeded with me to Fort Langley. I there appointed two Revenue Officers, uneducated men for want of better instruments,
to enforce the Revenue laws and the trading rights of the Hudson’s Bay Company, as
set forth in my Proclamation of the 8th May. They have since made seizures of several lots of contraband goods, and had 16 unlicensed
canoes in custody on my return from Fort Yale.As the canoes were manned exclusively by gold miners, and contained only their provisions,
mining tools, and personal clothing, without any articles for trade, I caused them
to be released, and granted to each canoe a pass, of which I enclose a copy, at a
charge of 5 dollars for each, and the amount, 80 dollars so formed has been carried
to account of “Public Revenue.”
The contraband goods will be brought to trial on the 11th Instant, 
and be probably condemned as lawful seizures, under the 167th Section of “The Customs
Consolidation Act 1853.”
and be probably condemned as lawful seizures, under the 167th Section of “The Customs
Consolidation Act 1853.”The “Satellite’s” launch was left at Fort Langley, to support the officers of the Revenue, and Captain Prevost in his gig, with 6 hands, accompanied me to Fort Yale, a post, allow me to explain, which exists only in name, as the few huts of which
it was composed were several years ago abandoned, and have disappeared. As the place
is now one of great importance, we have re-occupied it, and commenced building a Store
house there, which I expect will be finished in course of a few weeks more.
Fort Hope is also an outpost, put up in the cheapest and most simple form, for the accommodation
of the brigades passing to and from the interior, and is in charge of a labouring
servant. The site, which is immediately on the banks of Fraser’s River, is very beautiful, and well chosen, about a mile below the confluence of the {Quequealla} River, through the valley 
of which passes the best road to Thompson’s River.
of which passes the best road to Thompson’s River.The actual gold diggings commence on a River Bar, one mile below Fort Hope, and from that point upwards to Fort Yale, a distance of 20 miles, we found 6 parties of miners successfully engaged in digging
for gold, on as many partially dry River Bars; the total number of whites employed
on those six bars being about 190 men, and perhaps double the same number of Indians.
The diggings became richer as we advanced, as far as “Hill’s Bar,” 4 miles below Fort Yale, which is the richest ‘bar’ workable at the present high state of water. The gold
is taken entirely from the Surface, there being no excavation on those Bars, beyond
the depth of two feet, the water preventing their going to a greater depth. Mr. Hill, the party after whom the Bar is named, produced for my inspection the product of
his morning’s (6 hours) work, with a rocker and three hands besides himself, nearly
6 ozs. of 
clean float gold, worth one hundred dollars in money, being at the rate of 50 dollars
a day for each man employed. This was the largest day’s work he had ever made in Fraser’s River, and every day he observed was not so productive.
clean float gold, worth one hundred dollars in money, being at the rate of 50 dollars
a day for each man employed. This was the largest day’s work he had ever made in Fraser’s River, and every day he observed was not so productive.The other miners whom I questioned about their earnings were making from two and a
half to 25 dollars to the man for the day. The greatest instance of mining success
which I heard of in the course of our journey fell to the lot of three men, who collected
in seven working days 190 ounces of gold dust on “Sailor’s Bar,” 10 miles above Fort Yale, being at the rate of 9 ounces a day for each man.
Thirty miners arrived from the upper country during our stay at Fort Yale, with a very favourable report as to its productiveness in gold. They prospected
the river banks to the Great Falls of Fraser’s River, 40 miles beyond the confluence of Thompson’s River, and many of the tributary streams, in all of which they found gold, frequently in
pieces ranging in size from one 
to 10 pennyweights. The country beyond that point is considered promising, and for
anything we know to the contrary, the whole course of Fraser’s River, even to the Rocky Mountains, may be auriferous.
to 10 pennyweights. The country beyond that point is considered promising, and for
anything we know to the contrary, the whole course of Fraser’s River, even to the Rocky Mountains, may be auriferous.Those miners were prevented from going further into the country by the want of provisions,
which compelled them to return to the Settlements for supplies. They were very successful
in mining about the Great Falls, and made from 10 to 30 dollars to the man a day.
William C. Johnson, an old California miner told me that he had prospected Morrison’s River, and passed from thence to the Great Falls of Fraser’s River, and he observed much gold-bearing quartz in the course of his journey. Another old
miner assured me that he had found large quantities of gold-bearing quartz in the
mountains near Fort Hope, which he thinks will pay better than the California quartz rock, a report which
was confirmed by other miners. The miners generally think that Fraser’s River 
is richer than any “three rivers” in California.
is richer than any “three rivers” in California.Thompson’s River & its tributary streams are known to be auriferous, and Chief Trader McLean writes that gold has also lately been discovered in the Great Okanagan Lake.
Mr. Hicks, a respectable miner at Fort Yale, assured me that he had found “flour gold,” that is, gold in powder, floating on
the water of Fraser’s River during the freshet, and he thinks that by using quicksilver gold will be found in
every part of Fraser’s River, even to its discharge in the Gulf of Georgia.
We have thus evidence of the existence of gold over a vast extent of country situated
both north and south of Fraser’s River, and the conviction is gradually forcing itself upon my mind that not only Fraser’s River and its tributary streams, but also the whole country situated to the eastward of
the Gulf of Georgia, as far north as Johnston’s Straits, is one continued bed of gold, of incalculable value and extent.
The question then arises as to the course of policy which in those circumstances the
Company ought to take for the protection of their interests and rights of trade.
My own opinion is that the stream of immigration is setting so powerfully towards
Fraser’s River that it will be impossible to arrest its course, and that the population thus formed
will occupy the land as squatters, if they cannot obtain a title by legal means.
I would therefore recommend that the whole country be immediately thrown open for
settlement, the lands surveyed, and sold at a fixed sale, not exceeding Twenty Shillings
an acre. By that means and the imposition of a Customs duty on imports, a license
duty on miners, and other taxes, a large revenue might be collected for the service
of Government.
As the Company would, in that case, have to relinquish their 
exclusive rights of trade, they should receive compensation for those rights by an
annual payment out of the revenues of the country.
exclusive rights of trade, they should receive compensation for those rights by an
annual payment out of the revenues of the country.If that plan be adopted, as I think it ought to be, with as little delay as possible,
a Surveying Staff should be immediately formed for the purpose of making an extensive
survey of the country, and of laying it out into allotments for sale. Mr. Pemberton, the Surveyor of the Colony, and his assistants having a press of work upon their
hands in consequence of the great demand for land on Vancouver’s Island, cannot be spared for any other service; assistance should therefore be sent out,
and without delay, from England. Probably the Land Boundary commissioner might devote
apart of his time to that service.
I will further remark, in conclusion, on the subject of the Company’s rights, that
we will continue to guard their privileges of trade and transportation 
with the most scrupulous care, but all our efforts will fail in preserving them for
any length of time. It is therefore, I think, better to make a virtue of necessity
and to surrender with a good grace a right which is no longer tenable for a full and
sufficient compensation, to be paid annually, out of the revenues of the country,
and on condition of being secured in the possession of the different trading posts,
with their several farms and gardens, now occupied by the Company’s servants.
with the most scrupulous care, but all our efforts will fail in preserving them for
any length of time. It is therefore, I think, better to make a virtue of necessity
and to surrender with a good grace a right which is no longer tenable for a full and
sufficient compensation, to be paid annually, out of the revenues of the country,
and on condition of being secured in the possession of the different trading posts,
with their several farms and gardens, now occupied by the Company’s servants.I should also inform you, before closing this letter, that I appointed Mr. Richard Hicks, a respectable Englishman, whom I found engaged in mining pursuits, as Revenue Officer
for the district of Fort Yale, at a salary of £40 a year.
The native Indians were up in arms the day we arrived at “Hill’s Bar,” and, but for the intervention of a merciful Providence, would have made a clean
sweep of the whole party 
of miners working there. The{y} are not without cause, jealous of the whites and feel
greatly annoyed at the quantities of gold taken from their country. I lectured them
soundly about their conduct, and took the leading man in the affray, an Indian highly
connected in their way, and of great influence, resolution and energy, into my service,
and he was very useful in settling other Indian difficulties.
of miners working there. The{y} are not without cause, jealous of the whites and feel
greatly annoyed at the quantities of gold taken from their country. I lectured them
soundly about their conduct, and took the leading man in the affray, an Indian highly
connected in their way, and of great influence, resolution and energy, into my service,
and he was very useful in settling other Indian difficulties.I also spoke out plainly and distinctly to the miners. I refused to grant them any
rights of occupation to the soil, and told them that Her Majesty’s Government ignored
their very existence in that part of the country, which was not open for the purposes
of settlement, that no abuses would be tolerated, and that the law would protect the
rights of the Indian no less than of the white man. I also appointed Mr. George Perrier, a British subject, Justice of the Peace for the district of “Hill’s Bar,” and instructed the Indians 
to apply to him for redress whenever wronged by white men.
to apply to him for redress whenever wronged by white men.Those arrangements will have the effect of preserving the peace for a time, but without
constant and vigilant superintendence on the part of Government, Indian troubles will
sooner or later arise.
I have &c
(signed) James Douglas
(signed) James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
2. Douglas to Smith, 9 June 1858, reporting he had provisionally appointed J.D. Pemberton Surveyor General of Fraser's River.
Copy of a letter from James Douglas,
Esqre to W. G. Smith Esqre Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 9th June 1858._____
Esqre to W. G. Smith Esqre Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 9th June 1858._____
Sir,
With reference to my letter on Fur Trade affairs of the 7th of June, reporting the observations made during my recent journey to the Gold District of
Fraser’s River, I recommended, for reasons of obvious necessity, that the whole district of Fraser’s River should be immediately thrown open for settlement, and that assistance should be sent
out from England without delay, to make an extensive survey of the country, and to
lay it out in convenient allotments for sale.
It has since occurred to me that it may be difficult, on so short a notice, to find
properly qualified persons to undertake a survey of so much magnitude and difficulty,
and as the object is urgent 
and the instructions of the Governor and Committee respecting the opening of Fraser’s River for settlement may arrive months before the arrival of the desired assistants from
England I have given instructions to Mr. Pemberton, to whom I have confided the proposed plan with the intention of conferring on him
the provisional appointment of Surveyor General of Fraser’s River, to enter into temporary engagements with any qualified persons he may find in the
Colony, for the purpose of increasing his staff of assistants, and of engaging actively
in those surveys, whenever orders to that effect are received from England.
and the instructions of the Governor and Committee respecting the opening of Fraser’s River for settlement may arrive months before the arrival of the desired assistants from
England I have given instructions to Mr. Pemberton, to whom I have confided the proposed plan with the intention of conferring on him
the provisional appointment of Surveyor General of Fraser’s River, to enter into temporary engagements with any qualified persons he may find in the
Colony, for the purpose of increasing his staff of assistants, and of engaging actively
in those surveys, whenever orders to that effect are received from England.In the meantime the expense will not be thrown away, as the additional assistants
can be usefully employed in laying out allotments for sale on Vancouver’s Island,
there being at present a very great and increasing demand for land.
Mr. Pemberton has had many years experience in concluding surveys in the dense forests of Vancouver’s Island, 
and I think it fortunate for the country that we have the option of securing the services
of a gentleman so thoroughly well qualified by previous training and great natural
talent for the responsible and highly important office of Surveyor General.
and I think it fortunate for the country that we have the option of securing the services
of a gentleman so thoroughly well qualified by previous training and great natural
talent for the responsible and highly important office of Surveyor General.I propose that the whole Surveying Corps should be placed under the management of
the Surveyor General, who will be authorized, after due application, to establish
branch offices wherever required, and be held responsible for all details.
I have &c
(signed) James Douglas
(signed) James Douglas
3. Extract, Douglas to Smith, 20 June 1858, recommending the urgent appointment of four more fully qualified surveyors be sent as soon as possible.
Extract of a letter from James Douglas
Esqre to W. G. Smith, Esqre, Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 20th June, 1858
Esqre to W. G. Smith, Esqre, Secretary,
Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria,
Vancouver’s Island, 20th June, 1858
Reports are continually arriving here confirmatory of the extent and value of the
Fraser’s River Gold region. It is also reported that gold has been found in the Cowitchin Valley, Vancouver’s Island. It is also stated on good authority that an Indian brought in a sack containing
£20 worth of gold dust, which he collected in Burrard’s Canal or Howe’s Sound, situated on the Gulf of Georgia, Fraser’s River. It is therefore not surprising that under these circumstances the gold excitement
throughout this Colony, California and Oregon continues unabated. Crowds of people
are coming in from all quarters. The American Steamer “Commodore” arrived on the 13th Instant from San Francisco with 450 passengers, and the Steamer “Panama” came in yesterday from the same port with 750 passengers, and other vessels are
reported 
to be on their way.
to be on their way.There is now a large and constant demand for the purchase of Colonial land, and our
Surveying Staff is utterly inadequate to keep pace with the wants of the public. I
have therefore to request that at least four active Surveyors of respectable character
and attainments may be sent out to this country, but the Panama route, with as little delay as possible. I do not mean apprentices, but men of experience,
capable of carrying on an independent survey under general instructions from the Colonial
Surveyor. Mr. Benjamin Pearse, our present Assistant Surveyor, receives a Salary of £230 a year, with board and
lodging, and it is probably that his salary will be increased when we commence the
survey of the Fraser’s River district.
I mention that circumstance in order to suggest that competent men for the work should
be at once employed even though the expense be greater in the outset, as their services
are urgently 
wanted, and the work will progress with more speed, and be done in a satisfactory
manner."
wanted, and the work will progress with more speed, and be done in a satisfactory
manner."Minutes by CO staff
This shows the indispensable necessity of despatching promptly the R. Engineers to
undertake surveying duties.
[ABd ]
4. Douglas to Smith, 25 June 1858, relaying Pemberton's suggestions for the qualifications of surveyors wanted and a list of instruments needed.
Copy of a letter from James Douglas Esqre to W. G. Smith Esqre, Secretary, Hudson’s Bay Company, dated Victoria, Vancouver’s Island, 25th June 1858. _____
Sir
With reference to my letter of the 9th Instant on Colony affairs, I now beg to hand you copy of a letter from the Surveyor
General (Mr Pemberton) containing suggestions respecting the qualifications of the Assistant Surveyors
we lately ordered to be sent from England (see Fur Trade Letter of the 20th June). You will perceive that he wishes to have Gentlemen properly qualified by previous
instruction and practice, as there is a great amount of work to be done, and their
services are immediately wanted.
I also forward herewith a list of Instruments required for the Surveying Department,
which we beg may be sent out by the first ship.
I also transmit herewith a 
note of alterations made by my order in the system of allotting land, which will save
much time and trouble to the Department, while they will be the means of bringing
in a larger revenue to the Colony.
note of alterations made by my order in the system of allotting land, which will save
much time and trouble to the Department, while they will be the means of bringing
in a larger revenue to the Colony.In referring to the concluding remarks of Mr Pemberton’s letter I have merely to suggest that his services are invaluable to us at present,
and I am of opinion that no person without his training and experience in the rough
work of this country would be so useful or efficient in conducting the work of the
Surveying Department.
I also transmit herewith copy of a letter from the Revd Mr Cridge, who has been employed to order an Organ for the Colonial Church at this place. His
agent is the Revd A. I. Ram, Vicar of West Ham, Essex. The cost of the instrument will be between £60 and £70,
and I have to beg that the sum may be paid to Mr Ram’s order as soon as the 
Instrument is is completed, and charged to Vancouver’s Island Colony. The Revd Mr Ram has been instructed by Mr Cridge to send the instrument to the Hudson’s Bay House, and we beg it may be sent out by
the first ship to this place.
Instrument is is completed, and charged to Vancouver’s Island Colony. The Revd Mr Ram has been instructed by Mr Cridge to send the instrument to the Hudson’s Bay House, and we beg it may be sent out by
the first ship to this place.The first number of the Victoria Gazette issued this day from Fort Victoria, edited by Mr Bartlett. I send two numbers herewith. This place is assuming an aspect very different from
its former appearance. Houses are going up in all directions, and the streets are
crowded with people.
I have &c
(signed) James Douglas
(signed) James Douglas
5. Douglas to Pemberton, 17 June 1858, instructing him to discontinue estimating allowances for rock or swamp except to sales of more than 640 acres, to make the smallest parcel for sale at 100 acres, and to discontinue registering preemption claims for any reason.
Copy of a letter from Governor James Douglas to Joseph D. Pemberton &c Colonial Surveyor dated Victoria, Vancouver’s Island. Government House June 17th 1858
Sir
As it is necessary to simplify details as much as possible in order to get sufficiently
quickly through the increased business of the Surveying Department - 1st Discontinue to make estimates or allowances on account of rock or swamp and sell
Colonial lands at £1 per acre simply. In special cases however E. G. where the quantity
of land to be sold to one purchaser amounts to 640 acres or upwards, you may make
what you consider under the circumstances a reasonable deduction where the rock or
swamp contained is considerable.
2nd
2nd Make the smallest section of Agricultural land to be sold contain one hundred acres
3rd Discontinue to register Preemption Claims upon any grounds whatever
I have, &c
(signed) J Douglas, Governor
(signed) J Douglas, Governor
Minutes by CO staff
6. Pemberton to Douglas, 19 June 1858, reviewing arrangements and asking that if he were not to be placed in charge of surveying that he be informed as soon as possible.
Copy of a letter from J. D. Pemberton Esq to his Excellency James Douglas, dated Land Office, Victoria, June 19th 1858.___
Sir
You did me the honor to acquaint me with your communication to the Secretary of State
for the Colonies dated , stating your opinion that arrangements to conduct
surveys and allocation of Settlers in Vancouver’s Island and in certain Districts bordering upon Frazer’s River should be entrusted to one person, Establishing Branch Offices for these purposes
in the different Districts. That until properly qualified Assistants can be procured
from England, Assistants shall be engaged at San Francisco, which last Instruction I acted on in my letter to Mess" Lowe and Co dated June 10th
I
I would take the liberty of suggesting that in engaging Assistants in England steps
should be taken to secure the services of Gentlemen qualified by previous instruction
and practice (as there would be no time to instruct them here) and of approved moral
characters, as although the situations offered would be subordinate they would be
to a great extent Officers of Trust.
As to the exact form and size of allotments, price of Land, reserves, places to be
first surveyed and allotted I would I presume receive your instructions before commencing
work.
Objections to the present cumbersome form of Indenture and the serious objection that
after a purchaser has
paid he must wait 12 months for his Indenture, finding which time subsales are with
much difficulty made are defects in our present system that you have already had under
consideration.
paid he must wait 12 months for his Indenture, finding which time subsales are with
much difficulty made are defects in our present system that you have already had under
consideration.The Instalment system is still in force and I think works well. By your order of thee
17th Instant I have discontinued allowances for Rock or Swamp contained in Section less
than 640 acres, made 100 acres of land the minimum size of Sections and have discontinued
to register pre-emption claims on any grounds whatever, orders which greatly facilitate
Dispatch on our Business.
If Assistants should be sent from England Instruments and materials to work with should
be sent too.
The enclosed list will serve as an example of the kind required.
From
From this list I have purposely omitted Astronomical Instruments as not so much required
at first. In the Frazer’s River Districts Settlements might be connected by actual
measurement from the 49th parralel [sic] when marked.
A few Rain gauges, max. and min.
Thermometers & Barometers verified at Kew Observatory to be observed in each of the
District Offices would not be expensive and might lead to very useful and practical
results.
When all the preliminary arrangements may be decided on, an edition of Colonization
Circular similar to those issued gratis at the London Emigration Offices, for the
purpose of giving information
information to applicants and to save the time now occupied in explanation, also cheap
maps to be sold at cost and charges should be very desirable.
information to applicants and to save the time now occupied in explanation, also cheap
maps to be sold at cost and charges should be very desirable.To save trouble of reference I enclose a copy of existing surveys, reduced, omitting
reconnaissances taken in Excursions and in crossing the Island twice, and the surveys at Nanaimo. It may be said with truth that I have not surveyed much of the Island, but limited means and time occupied in allocation of settlers and with Indentures,
Towns, Town lots and Public works were drawbacks that you are aware of.
The foregoing remarks were made on the supposition that I should myself be promoted
to the principal Office, as you did me the honor to recommend: It may be however,
that previous to your recommendation or owning to circumstances over which you have
not control, other arrangements as far as I am personally concerned may have been
made at the Colonial Office, in which case it would be a kindness on
on their part to inform me through you and to send out my successor as early as might
be convenient, as I could from my knowledge of the country conduct a business here
incompatible with my present duties with considerable pecuniary advantage. I would
in that case as a matter of course, remain with and assist whatever gentleman might
be appointed to the place, long enough to remove as far as I might be able every preliminary
difficulty: This would be but a small return to the Hudson’s Bay Company, and to yourself
for the able support which I have always received in the discharge of my official
duties
on their part to inform me through you and to send out my successor as early as might
be convenient, as I could from my knowledge of the country conduct a business here
incompatible with my present duties with considerable pecuniary advantage. I would
in that case as a matter of course, remain with and assist whatever gentleman might
be appointed to the place, long enough to remove as far as I might be able every preliminary
difficulty: This would be but a small return to the Hudson’s Bay Company, and to yourself
for the able support which I have always received in the discharge of my official
dutiesMinutes by CO staff
Sir Edward. I sd peruse the latter part of this, though the intimation made in the Despes to the Govr that a Surveyor Genl should be sent will meet Mr Pemberton's wishes.
6.1 List of supplies and instruments required.
/Copy/
Land Office
June 19th 1858
June 19th 1858
List of Instruments etc. referred to in accompanying letter.
______________________________________
2. 4 in Theodolites, with extra eye pieces
2. 5 in __ ___ ditto __ ___ do __ __ do __ __
6 small Circumferentors
3 Box Sextants
3 Optical Squares
12 Pocket Compasses
3 Light Telescopes
12 Strong Land Chains
12 Measuring Tapes
2 Mountain Barometers
6 Cases of Drawing Instruments
3 Ebony rolling rulers
3 Boxes of Scales for plotting
A
A supply of drawing and tracing paper
Steel Crow quills
2. 5 in __ ___ ditto __ ___ do __ __ do __ __
6 small Circumferentors
3 Box Sextants
3 Optical Squares
12 Pocket Compasses
3 Light Telescopes
12 Strong Land Chains
12 Measuring Tapes
2 Mountain Barometers
6 Cases of Drawing Instruments
3 Ebony rolling rulers
3 Boxes of Scales for plotting
A
A supply of drawing and tracing paperSteel Crow quills
India Rubber and pencils, common colors
Camel’s hair brushes, glue, gum
P. S. Troughton and Simms make the best field instruments.
Elliott and Sons the best drawing Instruments.
In the field instruments – Portability - is the great point. They should be strong, provided with leather cases and straps
tooling; any small part liable to be lost in duplicate, and they should be japanned so
as not to be mistaken for gold by Indians
Minutes by CO staff
7. Public Notice, June 1858, stating as of June 21 purchasers may pay for up to six town lots in Victoria, naming an agent who may select from the unsold lots when the plans are complete, and applying the same rule to the sale of colonial lands in the eight surveyed districts, including Cowichan.
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Town Lots at Victoria
Sending the completion of the plans, purchasers may on and after the 21st instant pay for any number of lots not exceeding Six./60th X 120th at this Office, taking a simple receipt for the payments, naming an Agent at Victoria who will be empowered to select from the unsold lots when the Plans are Complete
in the order in which they have paid.
Colonial Lands
The Rule above stated will also be applied to the eight Surveyed Districts and to
the Cowitchin Country, liable
to
to such Reserves as the Authorities consider in the first instance necessary
to such Reserves as the Authorities consider in the first instance necessary