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Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Grenville, Richard 5 February 1868, CO 60:32, no. 4509, 40.

Abstract
Despatch to London. Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Marginalia (1).
Seymour sends a precis of all the documents on [Watson’s claim for loss of employment,] which can be found in Birch’s former office as Birch was the primary negotiator with Watson. Seymour discusses his involvement with Watson and informs the Colonial Office that Watson has returned to British Columbia as Inspector of the Bank of British Columbia. Cox’s minute discusses the limitation of Watson’s claim and suggests letting the matter drop as Watson has found employment. Rogers’s minute relates why there is a disagreement over Watson’s claim for loss of employment. Blake’s minute suggests seeing subsequent No 3110 Jan 14-69.
No. 6
New Westminster
5th February 1868
My Lord Duke,
I have had the honor to receive Your Grace's despatch No. 66 of the 28th September 1867, enclosing a letter from Mr Watson on the subject of the loss ofhisManuscript image his Office of Treasurer of Vancouver Island on the Union of the two Western Colonies. Your Grace observes that some of Mr Watson's statements are in contradiction with those furnished in my despatch No. 58 of the 6th of April 1867, and desires me to send a further report.
2. The greater part of the negotiations with Mr Watson were carried on verbally by Mr Birch, the ColonialSecretaryManuscript image Secretary. I now send a precis of all the documents on the subject which can be found in the Colonial Secretary's Office. I do not see that Mr Watson's statements and my own offer any material difference. He was to have six months leave of Absence on full salary and a free passage Home for himself and family. I likewise promised to bring under your notice Mr Watson's desire forfurtherManuscript image further employment. I did so in my despatch above referred to. Of Course I could not think of asserting that Your Grace would bestow another Office upon him. Having stated all I could in Mr Watson's favour I considered my promises fulfilled.
3. He has however now returned to the Colony as Inspector of the Bank of British Columbia and I suppose therefore that thematterManuscript image matter will be allowed by him to drop.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
See Mr Elliot's minute on a letter from Mr Watson 11037/67.
His Salary must be taken at the amount that was noted, namely £400 a year.
Will it be safe to let the matter drop—he might urge his claim hereafter.
CC 4 May
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The discrepancy or misunderstanding or alleged misunderstanding appears to be of this kind. Mr W. had 1. 600£ salary in V.C.I. He was transferred, under difficulties to an office of 2. 400£—then he is offered another appointment at 3. 400£, wh he refuses. Then Mr S. regrets that he shd have refused an office (No 3) of equal value to that recently held by him (No 2). Mr W. replies that it is not of equal value to the office recently held by him (No 1). And the practical issue is that he has claimed half years "full salary" at 600£ per ann. having received it at the rate of only 400£ per ann.
I think that if he is disposed to press his claim to 100£ he may press it
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Vide Mr Elliot's Minute on 11037/1867 B.C.
[FR]
on the Govt of B.C. where he now is & that this may be put by.
FR 4/5
CBA 7/5
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I do not think he has a good claim even in B. Col. Put by.
B&C 11/5
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See subsequent No 3110 Jan 14-69.
[EB]
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Precis of correspondence relating to Alexander Watson, prepared by the Colonial Secretary, no date.