Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 27 January 1860, CO 305:14, no. 2830, 40.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Other documents (1).
Douglas informs Newcastle that, after consulting with Baynes,
he has decided to delay the deployment of military force to San Juan Island.
Confidential
27 January 1860
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Graces
Confidential Despatch of the 16th November last, informing me that
the Government of the United States had declined to accept the
compromise of the question of Title to the Island of
of San Juan,
proposed by Lord John Russell's Despatch of the 24th of August, and,
in forwarding me a copy of the instructions issued to General Scott
by the Government of the United States, directing me to place upon
the Island a force Equivalent to that retained by the United States.
of San Juan,
proposed by Lord John Russell's Despatch of the 24th of August, and,
in forwarding me a copy of the instructions issued to General Scott
by the Government of the United States, directing me to place upon
the Island a force Equivalent to that retained by the United States.
2. Immediately on receipt thereof I communicated with Rear Admiral Baynes, the Naval Commander in Chief, and on the following day he
called upon me. I laid before him Your Graces Despatch, and after
consultation, we mutually agreed, that as all was quiet at San Juan,
and as the next Mail (which is expected in the course of a few days),
would bring intimation of General Scott's arrival at Washington
Washington, and
probably some Communication from Lord Lyons which might affect the
proceeding, it would be advisable to defer carrying out the
instructions of Her Majesty's Government, until after that Mail had
been received; which arrangement I trust may meet with Your Grace's
approval.
Washington, and
probably some Communication from Lord Lyons which might affect the
proceeding, it would be advisable to defer carrying out the
instructions of Her Majesty's Government, until after that Mail had
been received; which arrangement I trust may meet with Your Grace's
approval.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Foreign office? Adding that the Duke of Newcastle proposes to approve of the Governor's delay in carrying out these instructions?
I am not quite familiar with the course of this correspondence.
Mr Merivale
This bears upon the difference between Governor Douglas and R. Admiral Baynes which you will find reported in 3072/Admy herewith.
This bears upon the difference between Governor Douglas and R. Admiral Baynes which you will find reported in 3072/Admy herewith.
Copy has not yet been sent to the For: Office.
ABd
22/March
Other documents included in the file
Draft, Elliot to E. Hammond, Foreign Office, 19 April 1860, forwarding copy of the despatch and expressing Newcastle's approval of the governor's actions.