Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 22 July 1859, CO 305:10, no. 8945, 277.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
Douglas provides updates on
the frauds committed at the Custom House of Victoria,noting that both the
Attorney General of British Columbia, and the Crown Solicitor of Vancouvers Islandagainst Angelo, who has likely
embezzled£500, despite
legal proof of that fact.Douglas adds that he has
dismissed Mr Anderson late Collector of the Customsfor reasons of fraud, clerical errors, dishonesty, and carelessness.
No. 28
22 July 1859
With reference to my Despatch No 19 of the 6th June relative to
the frauds committed at the Custom House of Victoria, I have now
to communicate for your information, that the Attorney General
of British Columbia, and the Crown Solicitor
Solicitor of Vancouvers
Island who are conducting the case on behalf of the Crown, have
ascertained defalcations of revenue to the extent of Five
Hundred Pounds (£500), and though there is no real doubt that
the sum in question has been embezzled by Angelo, they find a
difficulty in establishing legal proof of that fact, and have
put off the trial from time to time, in hopes of finding
evidence to convict him.
Solicitor of Vancouvers
Island who are conducting the case on behalf of the Crown, have
ascertained defalcations of revenue to the extent of Five
Hundred Pounds (£500), and though there is no real doubt that
the sum in question has been embezzled by Angelo, they find a
difficulty in establishing legal proof of that fact, and have
put off the trial from time to time, in hopes of finding
evidence to convict him.
2. In
2. In the mean time I have dismissed Mr Anderson late
Collector of the Customs, from office, on the ground that, the
many clerical errors found in the Custom House Books and
accounts and the extensive frauds committed on the revenue, by a
dishonest servant, for several months in succession, shew a
carelessness of superintendence and a remissness in management
on his part, that is altogether inexcusable.
2. In the mean time I have dismissed Mr Anderson late
Collector of the Customs, from office, on the ground that, the
many clerical errors found in the Custom House Books and
accounts and the extensive frauds committed on the revenue, by a
dishonest servant, for several months in succession, shew a
carelessness of superintendence and a remissness in management
on his part, that is altogether inexcusable.
3. I therefore feel compelled
compelled through a sense of public duty
thus to mark in the strongest manner my disapprobation of his
conduct, in the hope that it may serve as an example for the
present and as a protection for the future.
compelled through a sense of public duty
thus to mark in the strongest manner my disapprobation of his
conduct, in the hope that it may serve as an example for the
present and as a protection for the future.
4. I beg also to remark that Mr Anderson is a relative of Sir
James Outram, and a gentleman who has uniformly maintained a
high character for intelligence
intelligence and integrity.
intelligence and integrity.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Can you tell me how Mr James Anderson was recommended here?
HM
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