XML | Preceding document | Next document | Cite this document

Public Offices document
Berens, Henry Hulse to Merivale, Herman 7 September 1858, CO 305:9, no. 9141, 507.

Abstract
Public Offices document. Minutes (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (7).
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.
Berens acknowledges the receipt of the CO’s letter respecting the HBC claims and has given directions for the preparation of an amended account of the sums due to the Company based on the criteria given by the Earl of Carnarvon on 28 July 1858.
The minutes Put by.
Enclosed are seven documents debating the Hudson’s Bay Company’s rights to trade and land in British North America.
Berens to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
Hudson's Bay House
7 September 1858
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th Instant respecting the claims of the Hudson's Bay Company to compensation for expenses incurred by them in connection with Vancouver's Island; and I have to request that you will inform Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton that I have given directions for the preparation of an amended account of the sums due to the Company on the basis laid down in the Earl of Carnarvon's letter of the 28th of July.
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your obedient Servant
H.H. Berens
Depty Govr
Herman Merivale Esqre
Colonial Office
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Put by.
ABd 8 Sepr
HM S 9
C Sep 10
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
1. Merivale to Berens, 3 September 1858, forwarding copy of an address from Canada concerning the company's territory in North America.
Manuscript image
1.1 "Copy of a Joint Address to the Queen from the Legislative Council and Assembly of Canada, 13 and 14 August 1858," signed by N.T. Belleau, Speaker, and Henry Smith, Speaker, concerning the approaching termination of the Hudson's Bay Company's licence over "the Indian Territories.
Manuscript image
2. Berens to Lytton, 12 October 1858, reasserting their rights under their Charter of Incorporation, and advising the company were prepared to protect themselves against the loss of such rights without appropriate compensation.
Manuscript image
3. Carnarvon to Berens, 3 November 1858, expressing disappointment at their unwillingness to "entertain any proposal with a view to adjusting the conflicting claims of Great Britain, of Canada, and of the Company," and asking for their reconsideration of the issue before legal action becomes necessary.
Manuscript image
4. Berens to Lytton, 10 November 1858, declining to alter their position, with explanation.
Manuscript image
5. Carnarvon to Berens, 28 January 1859, advising the company's right of exclusive trade in north western America would not be renewed beyond May 1859, but offering a one year extension to ensure ease of transfer.
Manuscript image
6. Berens to Lytton, 8 February 1859, declining the offer of one year's extension, and asking that their license be renewed for twenty-one years, with extended explanation of their position.