Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 28 February 1865, CO 60:21, no. 4586, 74.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (2).
No. 12
28th February 1865
Sir,
I have the honor to forward a report from Mr O'Reilly,
Gold Commissioner of Cariboo East, respecting the affairs of
his district in 1864.
[2.] I shall hope shortly to have sufficient leisure toreport
report to you fully respecting the condition of the Gold
Mines during the last year, their present state, and future
prospects. The first will not show much cause for satisfaction.
The rigour of the Winter leaves but little to be said respecting
the Second, but as regards the future I may say that the
prospects are promising. Rich diggings, which seem capable
of furnishing occupation for many thousands of men, are being
discovered on several creeks between the Kootenay Mines in theSouth
South and those of Cariboo in the North. It appears as if the
whole intervening country for four or five hundred miles will
prove richly auriferous. It is not uncommon at the Kootenay
and the North Bend of the Columbia for Miners to make from
fifteen to twenty pounds a head a day, not from the accidental
discoveries of nuggets but from the fair working of their claims.
report to you fully respecting the condition of the Gold
Mines during the last year, their present state, and future
prospects. The first will not show much cause for satisfaction.
The rigour of the Winter leaves but little to be said respecting
the Second, but as regards the future I may say that the
prospects are promising. Rich diggings, which seem capable
of furnishing occupation for many thousands of men, are being
discovered on several creeks between the Kootenay Mines in theSouth
South and those of Cariboo in the North. It appears as if the
whole intervening country for four or five hundred miles will
prove richly auriferous. It is not uncommon at the Kootenay
and the North Bend of the Columbia for Miners to make from
fifteen to twenty pounds a head a day, not from the accidental
discoveries of nuggets but from the fair working of their claims.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
P. O'Reilly to the Colonial Secretary, 5 January 1865, reporting as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Emigration Commissioners, 20 May 1865, forwarding
copy of the despatch and report for information.
