Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Carnarvon, Earl to Douglas, James 20 May 1859, LAC RG7:G8C/8, 76.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
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.
Carnarvon addresses
the subject of the policy to be observed towards Indian Tribesand Douglas's stated plans, in this despatch,
of locating the Indians in Native Villages with a view to their protection and civilization.Carnarvon cautions Douglas to exercise
due care in laying out and defining the several reserves so as to avoid checking at a future day the progress of the White Colonists.
See V597067 for a letterbook copy of this document.
No. 67
Downing Street
20 May 1859
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No 114 of the
14th of March on the subject of the policy to be observed towards the
Indian Tribes, and containing your opinion as to the feasibility of
locating the Indians in Native Villages with a view to their protection
and civilization.
I
I am glad to find that your sentiments respecting the treatment of
the Native races are so much in accordance with my own, and I trust that
your endeavors to conciliate and promote the welfare of the Indians will
be followed by all persons whom circumstances may bring into contact
with them. But whilst making ample provision, under the arrangements
proposed, for the future sustenance and improvement of the Indian
Tribes, you will I am persuaded bear inmind
mind the importance of
exercising due care in laying out and defining the several reserves so as to avoid
checking at a future day the progress of the White Colonists.
mind the importance of
exercising due care in laying out and defining the several reserves so as to avoid
checking at a future day the progress of the White Colonists.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Carnarvon
In the absence of
Sir E.B. Lytton
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Carnarvon
In the absence of
Sir E.B. Lytton