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Public Offices document
Lennox, Henry Gordon to Adderley, Charles Bowyer 20 May 1867, CO 60:29, no. 4930, 17.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2).
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.
In response to a letter from the Colonial Office, Lennox transmits a letter and its enclosure from Denman reporting the orders under which Lieutt Denny was acting on the occasion of his visit to the Settlement of Metlakahtla. Jadis’s minute relates how the Colonial Office was concerned about being able to quickly connect with Naval Officers [to advise caution] when dealing with Indian Tribes. Elliot’s minute explains why the Colonial Office was concerned over Denny’s orders, and discusses how to proceed after the Admiralty’s response, which is a letter showing the reasonable … orders from Admiral Denman [to] Lieut Denny. Buckingham’s minute advises that responsibility for Denny’s actions should be left to the admiralty.
Lennox to Under-Secretary of State
Admiralty
20 May 1867
Sir
With reference to your letter of the 18th January last respecting the proceedings of Lieutenant Denny of the "Forward" Gun Boat in visiting the Northern Settlements of British Columbia I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith for the information of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, a Copy of a letter dated the 26th MarchlastManuscript image last, from Vice Admiral the Honble Joseph Denman together with Copy of its Enclosure reporting the orders under which Lieutt Denny was acting on the occasion of his visit to the Settlement of Metlakahtla.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant
Henry G. Lennox
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Elliot
In our letter of 18 Jan. the expediency of giving some caution to Naval Officers when dealing with Indian Tribes was suggested to the Admiralty, but these papers do not shew whether this suggestion was acted upon.
VJ 21 May
Lieut. Denny wrote a letterManuscript image which showed that he had absurd misconceptions of his powers and duties in respect of Indians. We asked the Admiralty to give a warning to him and other officers who might be employed in similar duty to guard against such mistakes. They answer by sending us the orders from Admiral Denman under which Lieut Denny had sailed. Those Orders, as might be expected, are very reasonable, but for that very reason they only seem to make it more desirable than [sic] an Officer who could so misunderstand them should be guarded against future mistake.
Should the Admiralty be told that Admiral Denman's orders appear to His Grace very prudent and suitable, but that it seems not the less necessary that Lieut. Denny should be warned against so far mistaking such orders on any future occasion as to suppose that he is to bring Indians on board his ship and give themthemManuscript image a flogging on account of alleged acts of violence committed by them on one another?
TFE 21 May
I think so.
CBA 24/5
I shd leave the responsibility with the Admiralty. When attention has been distinctly drawn to the matter by Lord Carnarvon's Letter. Put by.
B&C 24/5
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Copy, J. Denman to Admiralty, 26 March 1867, commenting on Lieutenant Denny's actions at Metlakahtla.
Manuscript image
Copy, Denman to Denny, 3 September 1867, conveying orders for his trip to the northern settlements.