Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Other documents (2).
Tindall asks Newcastle if there is a practcable rout throug [sic] Canada to
British Columbia Gold Fields.Murdoch writes that
I am sure they will come to grief if they attempt the route across the Continent.
Half of them will be starved before they reach the Rocky Mountains,
and Fortescue advises Tindall that the route proposed would entail much time and hardship and [the]
usual route to the colony [is] around the Horn or across the Isthmus of Panama.
I want information, as to whether their is a practcable rout
throug Canada to British Columbia Gold Fields.
An Overland Transit Co have sprung up in London, who promise
to take us there in five weeks by the above rout.
There departure will be on or about the 17th May next. As
their is a party of us wishfull to go the quickest and best rout,
We would feel very gratfull for your information, as to
whether such Co can be relied upon.
Mr Elliot
I think it wd be but right to caution the writer agt the
proposed overland route to B. Columbia. The Co referred to, of
which I have seen an advertisement, possess more than they can accomplish. And no
party of Emigrants
shd rely on their
promises. The 2 routes are by the Horn or by the Isthmus Panama &
the cost is from £30 to £60.
Mr Blackwood
They have so much practice in these matters at the Emigration
Office that I consulted Mr Murdoch. An answer may be prepared
in the terms of the first paragraph of his note to me.
I should answer that you have no knowledge of the Co or of
the route they propose to take or the means at their command for
accomplishing the journey. But that from all that is known of the
Country the journey must occupy much time and probably be attended
with considerable hardship. I should add that the usual way of
reaching B. Columbia is either round the Horn or across the
Isthmus of Panama.
I am sure they will come to grief if they attempt the route
across the Continent. Half of them will be starved before they
reach the Rocky Mountains.
Fortescue to Tindall, 5 May 1862, advising that while
Newcastle had no knowledge of the company in question, it was
felt that the route proposed would entail much time and hardship
and that usual route to the colony was around the Horn or across
the Isthmus of Panama.