Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Labouchere, Henry to Douglas, James 28 February 1856, CO 410:1.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
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.
Labouchere writes to Douglas explaining that his hesitation in giving Douglas directions for a General Assembly was from the
disturbed state of relations between Indian and American settlers in Oregon and the North West generally.
Confidential
Downing Street
28 February 1856
Sir,
With reference to my Despatch of this day's date, directing you to
call together an Assembly, I wish to state to you that the only cause
for hesitation which I have felt in giving these directions has arisen
from the reports which have reached me from the Hudson's Bay Company and
from various quarters of the disturbed state of the relations between
Indian and American Settlers in Oregon and the North West generally, and
the commencement of hostilities in the vicinity of the British Territory
of a very serious character.
2. It is essential under such circumstances that no political
measure should be taken calculated to endanger the peace of the
community of Vancouver's Island. I cannot however anticipate any
objection on this score to the summoning of the Assembly.
But if, when
met, it should appear to you hazardous to continue its deliberations,
you have the authority of H.M's Govt to prorogue it whenever you may
deem expedient, and to conduct the Executive business of the Colony as
heretofore with the advice of your Council, leaving legislation for
future opportunities.
But if, when
met, it should appear to you hazardous to continue its deliberations,
you have the authority of H.M's Govt to prorogue it whenever you may
deem expedient, and to conduct the Executive business of the Colony as
heretofore with the advice of your Council, leaving legislation for
future opportunities.