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Correspondence (private letter)
Isbister, Alexander K. to Lytton, Edward George Earle Bulwer 11 February 1859, CO 305:13, no. 1600, 267.

Abstract
Correspondence (private letter). Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents (1).
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.
Isbister proposes a position at Vancouver Island for Dr. Roderick Kennedy. He insists that Kennedy, a Métis man, is valuable not only for his skill set as a doctor but because of his mixed race he is particularly suited to assist in relations between the white settler and the Indians. Isbister calls Métis people the most important element of the population of the Hudson’s Bay Territories.
The minutes recognize that Kennedy would be a useful Member of Vancouver Island Society but regret that there are no positions available. The CO send the usual reply.
Included in this document is Roderick Kennedy to Lytton, 8 January 1859, seeking appointment in British Columbia as an Indian agent or surgeon, or a combined office; and a draft reply from Carnarvon to Isbister, 2 March 1859, advising that the few appointments which it is at present intended to create in British Columbia have already been filled up.
Isbister to Lytton
Royal College of Preceptors
Offices 42 Queen Square, Bloomsbury
London
February 11th 1859
To the Rt Honble Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton Bart &c &c &c
Sir
I take the liberty of forwarding to you an application, for an appointment in Vancouver's Island, which I have been requested to transmit to you by Dr Kennedy of Kingston Canada West.
I am sensible how little claim I can have to your attention in forwarding Dr Kennedy's application. The only consideration which could justify my presuming to address you on the subject, is the hope, that as the interest of the important Colony which it has been reserved for you to call into political Existence I shall not be considered as taking an undue liberty in respectfully suggesting the desirability of conciliating the large & influential section of the population, represented by Dr Kennedy, by throwing open to them, in common with other classes of Her Majesty's subjects, a career a careerManuscript imagea career of usefulness in the public service & thereby identifying their interests with the progress & good government of the country to which they belong.
It is a misfortune for the natives of the Hudsons Bay Territories, that, having no access to the source [of] patronage, they are deprived of the advantage, which, satisfied of their fitness, Her Majesty's Government would, no doubt, willingly concede to them, of a fair share in the distribution of public offices under the Instructions which it will be their privilege to recieve at your hands—which they cannot but feel they have fairly earned by their own persevering efforts & by their intelligence & public spirit, legitimately & constitutionally exercised, in drawing public attention to the subject, both in England and in Canada.
I am persuaded that many complications, which may possibly, hereafter arise, between the white settler and the Indians may be avoided by adopting, from the outset a generous & conciliatory policy towards the mixed race, who are at this moment, by their number, their education and property in the country, the Manuscript imagemost important element of the population of the Hudson's Bay Territories, & whose influence, whether for good or for evil, on the Indian race with whom they are so closely connected must necessarily be very great. Dr Kennedy is one of the most favourable specimens of his class with whom I am acquainted. He has been established for some years in respectable practice as a Physician in Bath, near Kingston in Canada, & is Associate Coroner & a Member of the Board of Public Instruction of the Country in which he resides. I believe him to be well qualified, to discharge efficiently the duties of the appointment for which he is a candidate.
I have the honour to be Sir
Your most obedt Servt
A.K. Isbister
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
I should think that Dr Kennedy would be a useful Member of Society in a new settlement inasmuch as medical skill when it can be combined in a public Officer is always valuable in localities difficult of access. But I really know of no opening at present for Dr Kennedy.
ABd 15 Feb
The recommendation is also a doubtful one.
HM F 16
Sir E. Lytton
Return the usual reply?
C Feby 17
Yes.
EBL Feb 21
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Roderick Kennedy to Lytton, 8 January 1859, seeking appointment in British Columbia as an "Indian agent" or surgeon, or a combined office.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Carnarvon to Isbister, 2 March 1859, advising that "the few appointments which it is at present intended to create in British Columbia have already been filled up."