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Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 23 September 1864, CO 60:19, no. 10945, 258.

Abstract
Despatch to London. Minutes (2), 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.
Seymour reports that he intends to give gifts to Indigenous chiefs at his next meeting with them. He requests one hundred canes with silver gilt tops of an inexpensive kind, also one hundred small and cheap English flags suitable to Canoes about 20 or 30 feet long. Seymour intends to introduce a practice which worked very successfully in Honduras, of presenting a Staff of Office to the Chief of each friendly tribe. Elliot’s minutes authorizes Jadis to instruct the Crown Agents to comply after they report on the cost of Seymour’s request.
No. 46
23rd September 1864
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 30 of the 31st of August, respecting the large gathering of Indians which took place in New Westminster on the 24th of May, I beg leave to state that I expect a still more numerous meeting on Her Majesty's next birthday should no war of races intervene.
2. In replying to the address of the Chiefs I stated that I gavethemManuscript image them but small presents this year, but that the next time we all met, I would bestow gifts of greater value. I have therefore the honor to request that you will instruct the Agents General to forward as early as possible to this Colony one hundred canes with silver gilt tops of an inexpensive kind, also one hundred small and cheap English flags suitable to Canoes about 20 or 30 feet long.
3. I wish to introduce into this Colony the practice which worked very successfully in Honduras, of presenting a Staff of Office to the Chief of each friendly tribe. I haveconsultedManuscript image consulted the Roman Catholic Missionaries on the subject and they entirely approve of my intention.
4. I think it would be well to have the Crown engraved upon the head of each cane.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
The state of the Agents account with the Colony is now before you. May the Agents be authorized to comply with this requisition, but telling them to report the cost in the first instance.
VJ 29 Nov
Mr Jadis
It has now been determined to let the Agents execute any requisitions which may not appear very costly. Will you prepare a letter to them, asking them the probable expense. Mark it immediate.
TFE 22 Decr
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Elliot to Crown Agents, 22 December 1864, forwarding copy of the despatch and inquiring about the cost of compliance.