Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Hamilton, George Alexander to Hawes, Benjamin 25 August 1851, CO 305:3, no. 7395, 190.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (1), 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.
Hamilton forwards to Hawes, for the information of Grey, a copy of a letter from Moresby, which reports on the
Pacific Station.
The minutes acknowledge that the letter in question is intended for Grey, and, as such, should be put by.
Included in the file is a letter from Moresby to the Admiralty, which reports on Moresby's passage from Panama to Vancouver Island. The remaining enclosure is a letter from Moresby to Fanshawe, which instructs Fanshawe to proceed directly to Vancouver Island, and to use his best judgment in dealings with any
hostile acts against the Indiansthat may be required.
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you, for the information of Earl Grey, the copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Moresby dated 7h May last, No 49, and of its Enclosure, reporting his proceedings on the Pacific Station.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Moresby to Admiralty, 7 May 1851,
reporting on his voyage northward from Panama towards Vancouver Island, with enclosure.
Moresby to Fanshawe, 6 May 1851, instructing him
to proceed directly to Vancouver Island, should the two vessels become separated, and use his best judgement "as to the extent
and nature of any
hostile acts against the Indians" that may be required.