Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Boys, Thomas to Pakington, John Somerset 30 September 1852, CO 305:3, no. 8996, 492.
Abstract
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (2), Other documents (1).
Boys informs Pakington of Staines’ correspondence with Boys on the discovery of Gold at Haida Gwaii, and that further information may be offered if the Colonial Office desires it.
The minutes suggest that Kuper’s report on gold at Haida Gwaii is more recent than Staines’s report, and therefore more useful.
This file encloses a draft reply to Boys which states that Pakington would be pleased to receive Staines’ account on gold found at Haida Gwaii.
52, Herbert Street
Shepherdess Walk,
Hoxton
Sep. 30, 1852
Shepherdess Walk,
Hoxton
Sir John,
I have the honour to inform you that I have received a letter from
my nephew the Rev. R.J. Staines, Chaplain of Victoria, Vancouver's
Island, communicating various particulars respecting the discovery of
gold in Queen Charlotte's Island, and detailing some transactions of a
questionable character, which he regards as affecting the rights and
interests of the British Crown. His letter is dated July 6.
Mr Staines has forwarded
specimens of the gold by different
hands for the inspection of the British Government. He has corresponded
on the subject with H.B.M. Consul General of the Pacific, having been
previously requested by that functionary to forward all attainable
information respecting Queen Charlotte's Island and the adjacent coasts.
He has also been in communication with H.B.M. Consul at San Francisco,
and through him with the British Admiral, who, on receiving the
particulars forwarded, dispatched H.M. Ship Thetis to Queen Charlotte's
Island.
specimens of the gold by different
hands for the inspection of the British Government. He has corresponded
on the subject with H.B.M. Consul General of the Pacific, having been
previously requested by that functionary to forward all attainable
information respecting Queen Charlotte's Island and the adjacent coasts.
He has also been in communication with H.B.M. Consul at San Francisco,
and through him with the British Admiral, who, on receiving the
particulars forwarded, dispatched H.M. Ship Thetis to Queen Charlotte's
Island.
Under the impression, however, that his letter to me might possibly
anticipate other communications,
Mr Staines suggests the propriety of
my taking measures to lay it before the Colonial Office. Should you be
pleased to forward me any directions upon this subject, I should be
happy to attend to them.
Mr Staines suggests the propriety of
my taking measures to lay it before the Colonial Office. Should you be
pleased to forward me any directions upon this subject, I should be
happy to attend to them.
I have the honour to be,
Sir John,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Thomas Boys,
Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Hoxton
Sir John,
Your most obedient humble Servant
Thomas Boys,
Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Hoxton
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
The information from Capn Kuper being more recent than the 6 July I almost think we might dispense with the communication which this Gentleman offers. But there is no harm in having too much intelligence & if you think it advisable that we should be furnished with what Mr Staines has to communicate a draft can be prepared accly.
The information from Capn Kuper being more recent than the 6 July I almost think we might dispense with the communication which this Gentleman offers. But there is no harm in having too much intelligence & if you think it advisable that we should be furnished with what Mr Staines has to communicate a draft can be prepared accly.
ABd
1 Oct
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Colonial Office to Boys, 9 October 1852, stating that
Pakington would be pleased to receive the communication in question.