Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Shrapnel, Henry Needham Scrope to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 5 April 1860, CO 60:9, no. 3872, 388.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Shrapnel to Newcastle
His Grace the late Duke of Wellington in a despatch to Sir John Sinclair remarking on the general efficacy of my late fathers Shell says
I consider Colonel Shrapnel to be entitled to a very ample
reward for his ingenuity & the science he has proved he possesses, by
the great perfection to which he has brought this Invention, & more
particularly so because I am of opinion that, the public interest
requires that the advantage we have derived from the use of the Shell
should not be made known & he is therefore deprived of the fame &
honor which he could have enjoyed.
I am ready to give this opinion whenever it may be required & to
assist by every means in my power to procure a just reward for Col: Shrapnel.
I refer to the above as shewing the opinion of the greatest man of
the age.
I trust therefore without being thought obtrusive I may once
more appeal to your Graces consideration. The little my father was
able to leave me has all been expended in the service of my country.
I volunteered out to the Kaffir War in 1851 & having served till the
end of it—I returned home again. I joined the West Kent Regt of
Militia during the Crimean War—& in order to perfect myself in
Military tactics attached myself to the Depot of the 67th Regiment
for a period of six months—all of which services were entirely
supported by my own money & without any Government emolument.
If your Lordship finds it difficult to meet my wishes I make one
final appeal for your consideration. I have a desire to go to
British Columbia where I am informed men of education 
and active
habits are in much request. Would your Grace, as a small testimony
of my fathers services render the assistance necessary to transport
myself & family to that Colony. I should be satisfied even with that
rather than to remain in the degrading duties I am performing in this
Yard.
and active
habits are in much request. Would your Grace, as a small testimony
of my fathers services render the assistance necessary to transport
myself & family to that Colony. I should be satisfied even with that
rather than to remain in the degrading duties I am performing in this
Yard.
With every apology for intruding on your Lordship's time.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
The writer, who dates his Letter from Nova Scotia, signs himself "Henry Shrapnel." But we have lately had another and a similar application from a gentleman at "Dundalk" alleging that he is "the son & representative of the late General Shrapnel." Are they both Sons of General Shrapnel and claimants on the Nation, or is one of them advancing pretensions to which he is not Entitled?
The writer, who dates his Letter from Nova Scotia, signs himself "Henry Shrapnel." But we have lately had another and a similar application from a gentleman at "Dundalk" alleging that he is "the son & representative of the late General Shrapnel." Are they both Sons of General Shrapnel and claimants on the Nation, or is one of them advancing pretensions to which he is not Entitled?
I think the best thing to do will be to return answers devoid of
encouragement to both applicants.
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Fortescue to H.N.S. Shrapnel, Dundalk, 25 April 1860,
holding out little prospect for a colonial appointment.
Minutes by CO staff
Similar answer to Henry Shrapnel Esqe, Royal Dock Yard Halifax,
N Scotia. See Minute on 3872 B. Columbia.