Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Needham, Joseph to Grenville, Richard 12 December 1867, CO 60:31, no. 1257, 332.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (3).
Needham declines the offer to
descend to a position altogether inferior in rankand explains why he cannot accept a lower position than Chief Justice in British Columbia. Cox’s minute notes that Needham already
telegraphed his refusal.Adderley’s minute explains why Needham was offered a different position in British Columbia .
Needham to Buckingham
Victoria V.I.
12th Dec 1867
My Lord Duke
I desire to explain to your Grace my reasons for venturing to
decline the offer so kindly made to me by telegram in Novr last.
When I accepted the appointment I now hold I was not a briefless
barrister but brought to it the experience of 25 Years labour in the
highest branches of my profession & gave up an established &
lucrative practise.
This is well known in Westminster Hall.
I have found to my cost how imprudent was the step. But it is
difficult to go back.
In money alone I am £300 poorer while political
& other changes have materially altered my position for the worse.
In money alone I am £300 poorer while political
& other changes have materially altered my position for the worse.
Yet gladly as I would escape from a Colony which time has
brought little but vexation disappointment & loss I could not bring
my mind to descend to a position altogether inferior in rank & one
which I would not originally have accepted.
I have earnestly endeavoured to fulfil the duties of my office &
if I have succeeded—if as His Excellency assures me he shall
acquaint your Grace—I have been able to render essential service to
the Government in time of need—then I humbly submit to yr Grace
whether I may not fairly indulge the hope of a change which shall
raise rather than depress me in the social scale.
whether I may not fairly indulge the hope of a change which shall
raise rather than depress me in the social scale.
I trust your Grace will pardon the freedom & apparent egotism
with which I have written. I can only plead necessity for the one &
the interests of family as an apology for the other.
Hoping for your Grace's kind conson.
