Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Hamilton, George Alexander to Merivale, Herman 27 January 1855, CO 305:6, no. 819, 199.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2).
Hamilton, on behalf of the Admiralty, forwards a letter to Merivale, from Frederick, which transmits a report by Martin on the subject of Vancouver Island. Hamilton requests that Grey note the paragraph in Martin’s report that argues for Esquimalt over Victoria as a settlement.
In the minutes Blackwood questions the HBC’s governance of Vancouver Island and proposes a government-run colony upon expiration of the
Grant or Leaseto the HBC; Merivale states that the subject is under consideration; finally, Herbert observes that the
confidentialinformation contained in Martin’s report should not be sent to the HBC.
The file includes a letter from Frederick to R. Osborne, which forwards Martin’s report on Vancouver Island, and Martin’s report to Frederick, which discusses the HBC’s colonization of the same.
Hamilton to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you a copy of a letter from Commander Frederick,
transmitting a Report by Mr Martin, Secretary to Rear Admiral Bruce, on Vancouvers Island; and I amto
to request you will call the attention of
Secretary Sir George Grey to paragraph 9 of the said report pointing out
the disadvantage of the site of Victoria as compared with Esquimalt.
to request you will call the attention of
Secretary Sir George Grey to paragraph 9 of the said report pointing out
the disadvantage of the site of Victoria as compared with Esquimalt.
Herman Merivale Esqe
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
I much fear that there is too great truth in these observations of Mr Martin on VanCouver's Island. The remedy, I presume, is for the Govt to take the management of the Settlement into it's own hands, which they can do, on the expiration of the Grant or Lease to the H.B.Co, but then the Ho: of Commons must be asked for a vote for a few years to defray the charge of Govt. 3 or 4000 a year would be well spent by the Country in developing the resources of a Settlement so well situated in the N. Pacific for British interests as this; but so long as it continues in the hands of the H.B.Co there is very little chance of good govt, or prosperity for it. If these observations should be sent to the Co we shall receive very well written refutations; but matters will not be mended a whit the more.
I much fear that there is too great truth in these observations of Mr Martin on VanCouver's Island. The remedy, I presume, is for the Govt to take the management of the Settlement into it's own hands, which they can do, on the expiration of the Grant or Lease to the H.B.Co, but then the Ho: of Commons must be asked for a vote for a few years to defray the charge of Govt. 3 or 4000 a year would be well spent by the Country in developing the resources of a Settlement so well situated in the N. Pacific for British interests as this; but so long as it continues in the hands of the H.B.Co there is very little chance of good govt, or prosperity for it. If these observations should be sent to the Co we shall receive very well written refutations; but matters will not be mended a whit the more.
ABd
30 J
This subject is under consideration. I have the drafts to prepare.
HM
F 2
We clearly cannot send this "confidential" communication to the Co.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
1. Commodore Charles Frederick, to R. Osborne, Secretary to the Admiralty, 8 November 1854, reporting he had not had the opportunity of
visiting Vancouver Island but forwarding the observations of George P. Martin, which "appear to me so well worthy of attention, & his remarks so
sensible & judicious, that I think it right to forward it, in extenso, for their Lordship's
perusal."
1.1 George P. Martin to Frederick, Confidential, 16 October 1854, reporting extensively and adversely on the present state and prospects of
the efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company to colonize Vancouver Island.