Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Seymour acknowledges receiving the deed…for [sic] the conveyance of Vancouver Island to the Crown.Seymour forwards an attorney general’s report stating the necessity of retaining the original deeds…granting the Island to the Company in British Columbia and asks for further instructions. Rogers’s minute confirms Cox’s suggestion of sending the despatch To the L & E Commers. The included document discusses why the deed of reconveyance should remain in Victoria.
No. 156
30th November 1867
My Lord Duke,
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 23
of the 11th May enclosing the deed of for [sic] the conveyance
of Vancouver Island to the Crownwhich which has been executed by the
Hudson's Bay Company under their Corporate Seal.
2. Your Grace likewise encloses the original letters patent
dated the 13th January 1849, granting the Island to the Company
and directs me to cause these documents to be duly registered here
and returned to Your Grace.
3. I forward an official report from the Attorney General
on the necessityof of retaining the original deeds in the Colony
and shall await Your Grace's further instructions in the matter.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant. Frederick Seymour
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Colonial Secretary, 17
October 1867, recommending the deed of reconveyance remain in Victoria
to help settle cases of trespass in the surrounding vicinity.