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Public Offices document
Corry, Henry Thomas Lowry to Merivale, Herman 28 June 1858, CO 305:9, no. 6214, 291.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (7), Other documents (1).
Corry informs the CO that orders will be sent to Admiral Baynes to have some member of the Pacific fleet to proceed to Vancouver Island for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Naval Force already stationed there is sufficient for the support of the Civil Authority and the protection of British Interests.
The minutes evaluate whether the marines will travel deep into the gold region, or if a demonstration of strength may be better to prevent the extreme probability of desertion.
Enclosed is a confidential draft from Lytton to Douglas urging him to use his judgement to avoid military conflict.
Corry to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Admiralty
28th June 1858
[Sir]
I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of the 26th Inst with its enclosure from the Governor of Vancouver Island, relative to a Steam Vessel being stationed for the present at that Island to protect British Interests, in consequence of the number of persons resorting to the recently discovered Gold Fields in Her Majesty's Dominions in North Western America in the neighbourhood of Frazer's River.
My Manuscript image
My Lords desire me to state for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton that orders will be sent to Rear Admiral Baynes the Commander in Chief of Her Majesty's Ships on the Pacific Station either himself to proceed to Vancouver Island, or to select some Senior Officer to send thither, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Naval Force already stationed there is sufficient for the support of the Civil Authority and the protection of British Interests—and should the Force not be considered sufficient the Rear Admiral will be instructed to send suchinManuscript image in addition as he may deem to be necessary.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient humble
Servant,
H. Corry Herman Merival Esq.
Colonial Office
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
ABd 29 June
Lord Carnarvon
Put by?
HM June 29
Mr Merivale
Will this promise on the part of the Admiralty include the detaching [of] marines or sailors, if necessary, to send up the country to the Gold Mines or to place at some port on the Frasers River?
C June 29
I presume so, but cannot myself answer the question. It is obvious that the commanding officers will avoid doing this if they possibly can, on account of the extreme probability of such marines or seamen deserting. The longer it can be confined to a demonstration the better, & I should think it best to leave the matter where it stands?
HM June 29
I have seen Sir J. Pakington on the subject & the requisite measures are arranged.
C June 29
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Lytton to Douglas, Confidential, 1 July 1858.
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Merivale
I return you the V.Couvers I. papers and agree with you in your view of the mem.
Perhaps you will pass them on to Sir E. Lytton.
I think it wd be desirable that a confidential letter sd be prepared to send to Govr Douglas by the 1st July apprising him of the private Instructions wh Sir J. Pakington has promised to send to the Admiral on the Pacific Station. OurManuscript image official desp. sd enclose the copy of Letter from the Admiralty wh we received this morning?
C June 29
Sir E. Lytton, I am anxious to obtain at once your approval of some slight alterations which I have suggested in these drafts in consequence of the Foreign office letter accompanying, which I have marked immediate, & which has crossed ours.
HM June 29