As Your Grace is Colonial Secretary, I venture to ask you for
the following information namely—If there is a police force
organized or about being organized in Vancouver Island or British
Columbia.
My reason for asking is that I am about to retire from the Irish
Constabulary for the purpose of Emigrating either to British Columbia
or Australia And I would like to know in case I select British
Columbia, if I would have
any chance of employment as a police-man
there.
Please to let know, in case there is Such a force in existence,
if I would be eligible to an appointment in it, or if I could get an
appointment before going out.
I have just completed a period of Eight years in the
Constabulary and can get the best of characters from the Officers
that I served under.
I have a good deal of experience as a police-man, having Served
in different Counties. And I am well acquainted with all the duties
of the Force.
I have reason to think that there is Such Force, as I allude to
in existence as I saw it announced some time ago in the public Press
that Sub Inspr Brew of this force was appointed to be Inspector
General of Constabulary in British Columbia.
I hope the importance of this matter to Me will be a Sufficient
excuse for the liberty I take in addressing Your Grace.
Awaiting your Graces Answer
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke Your Graces
Most obedient Servant
James Blake S.C.
Constabulary
Beaulnamulla Athlone
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale Mr Brew the Superintendent of Police was sent out to B. Columbia
to organize a Police Force, but we have not heard what progress he
has made, so that we cannot say that any force at present exists.
The Writer (if his Statements are accurate) would no doubt prove an
useful officer & would probably find employt.
Inform the writer that Mr Brew has gone to British Columbia,
but that until he writes as to the steps he is taking, no situations
are open, and that it is not at all probable his services will be
required. Annex draft.
Draft, Merivale to Blake, 25 January 1860, advising that although a
police force was in process of organization, no promise of
employment could be held out at present.