Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 18 April 1865, CO 60:21, no. 4263, 304.
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 on the current state of affairs in British Columbia, noting the completion of the telegraph line to San Francisco as well as Vancouver Island’s eagerness for union.
Telegram
Western Union Telegraph Co.
To Her Britanic Majs Consul, N.Y. From New Westminster
Dated 18 April 1865.
Received 22 April 1865.
Will Her B.M. Consul at N.Y. forward following to Secy of State for Colonies London as soon as possible?
Will Her B.M. Consul at N.Y. forward following to Secy of State for Colonies London as soon as possible?
To Her Britanic Majesty's Principal Secretary
of State for the Colonies London
From New Westminster
Dated 18 April 1865.
Received 22 April 1865, 11 am.
Dated 18 April 1865.
Received 22 April 1865, 11 am.
Telegraph completed this day to San Francisco by California
State Telegraph Co. Line being continued on to Russia by Collins
Telegraph Co will give employment to one thousand 1000 men. Legislative
Council prorogued all satisfactory four hundred thousand dollars
400,000 voted for roads twenty nine 29 acts passed Governors salary
raised Main road from Westminster to Cariboo five hundred &
twenty three 523 miles to be completed this year Also bridge
road to Kootenay and Columbia Bend.
Government exploration to connect Cariboo and Kootenay mines
winter very severe Spring come. Avalanches fallen on main
road without damage large gangs clearing off Frazers River
lower than ever before. Chinese making twenty 20 to forty 40
dollars a day in its bed. White men passing on to Cariboo
and Kootenay Wages Cariboo ten 10 dollars Kootenay seven 7
Westminster two 2 to five 5 dollars. Many gentlemen seeking
government employment Good news from British Kootenay Miners
making twenty 20 to one hundred 100 dollars a day to the hand
New diggings north bend of Columbia equally rich Great rush
expected American steamers partially withdrawn for miners to
pass through Oregon instead of up Frazers.
No regular communication
with California Many despatches ready but no means of transmission
to England Van Couver clamorous for Union with British Columbia
Weather beautiful All well and Indians perfectly quiet.
Minutes by CO staff
Telegram reporting present state of affairs.
Including the sea voyage across the Atlantic this telegram
has reached this Office in 17 days. This telegram brings
satisfactory intelligence, which will have to be acknowledged.
ABd
5 May
