Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Blanshard, Richard to Pakington, John Somerset 30 August 1852, CO 305:3, no. 8073, 56.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
Blanshard sends Pakington a copy of an address signed by the settlers of Vancouver Island, which challenges the appointment of a HBC employee as governor, following Blanshard’s resignation and departure.
The minutes justify the appointment of Douglas - an HBC employee - as governor, following Blanshard’s resignation.
Of the two enclosures, the first is the address presented to Blanshard, signed by the settlers of Vancouver Island, challenging Douglas’ appointment as governor; the second is a draft acknowledgement to Blanshard of the receipt of the address.
I regret that my absence from Town has prevented my sooner
acknowledging your communication of 13 August 1852.
[Marginal note. Perhaps from Mr. Pakington. There is no official
Communication of this date. ABd]
I now beg to forward you the document to which I alluded, being a
memorial or address signed by every settler except one on Vancouvers Island; it was presented to me when on the immediate point of leaving
the Island and I did not deposit any copy among the Colonial documents
which I left there as the very nature of the memorial would draw down
upon all who had signed it the ill will and oppression of the Hudson Bay
the Hudson Bay
Company's Servants, into whose hands the government of the Colony was
passing.
the Hudson Bay
Company's Servants, into whose hands the government of the Colony was
passing.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
I apprehend that an acknowledgement of this Letter will suffice. The excuse for the employment of a gentleman belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company as Governor of a Settlement where the interests of the Company are so predominant is to be found in the simple fact that as no funds are voted by Parlt for the payment of the Salary of an independent person as Govr H.M. Govt had no option but
to employ one of the
Hudson's Bay Company's officers, by which Co he is paid.
I apprehend that an acknowledgement of this Letter will suffice. The excuse for the employment of a gentleman belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company as Governor of a Settlement where the interests of the Company are so predominant is to be found in the simple fact that as no funds are voted by Parlt for the payment of the Salary of an independent person as Govr H.M. Govt had no option but
to employ one of the
Hudson's Bay Company's officers, by which Co he is paid.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Undated memorial (marked "Received 28 September 1851, R.B."),
[Fn. Blanshard left VI on 1 Sept so date must be wrong. 28 August?]
signed by 15 settlers of Vancouver Island to Blanshard, expressing
concern at the appointment of a chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company
as governor, and asking that a council be appointed immediately to
provide security against the interests of the company taking precedence
over the interests of the colony as a whole.
Minutes by CO staff
A Council consisting of 3 Members, Messrs Cooper, Todd [Tod],
and Finlaison [Finlayson] were appointed in Augt & Oct last year
and previously to Mr Blanshard's departure from the Colony.
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Blanshard, 10 September 1852, acknowledging
receipt of letter and enclosure.