Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Barr, Robert to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 14 July 1858, CO 6:27, no. 8056, 79.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (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.
Barr requests a public office position in the proposed government of New Caledonia.
The minutes recognise that Barr has colonial knowledge and answer that a note will be made of his application.
Enclosed is a printed copy of testimonials from J. S. Helmcken, John Kennedy, James Cooper, Edward Langford, and John Tod; and a draft from Carnarvon to Barr stating his application will be noted and considered with those of other candidates.
Barr to Lytton
Leeds, 21 Cheapside,
Briggate,
July 14th 1858.
Briggate,
Sir,
A measure having been introduced to establish a Government for New Caledonia, which if adopted must necessarily involve the appointment of efficient officers,
and having recently returned from Vancouver's Island, after a residence of nearly Five Years, during which time I held several responsible
public offices (as you will perceive by the accompanying copy of my Testimonials.)
I beg most humbly to solicit an appointment in the said Colony in any capacity you
may consider me qualified to fulfil.
Having resided there for the above named period, I have consequently become acquainted
with the manners and customs of the Natives, which I trust will be considered a necessary
qualification for such appointment.
Allow me to remark that my Family are
are all well known to the Hon. Members for Leeds, my uncle having for upwards of Twenty
years held the office of "Clerk to the Leeds Justices."
are all well known to the Hon. Members for Leeds, my uncle having for upwards of Twenty
years held the office of "Clerk to the Leeds Justices."Permit me to add that should this application be honored with your kind approval nothing
shall be wanting on my part faithfully to carry out the wishes and intentions of Her
Majesty's Government requisite to the formation and extension of such an important
Colony.
I am at your service, and shall be happy to furnish any information respecting the
Colony, and waiting your reply,
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Printed copy of testimonials from J.S. Helmcken, John Kennedy, James Cooper, Edward E. Langford, and John Tod.
