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Copies of Despatches from the Goveknok of Bitrnsn Coi.umhia lo the Secre- tary OF State for the Colonies, and from the Secretary of State to the Governor, relative to the (jovernment of the Colony. VrrocntrQ to fiotti ^omt» of tfarliamrnt bv (Tommanli of ii^rr illairi»t|i. I2th Augmt 1859. LONDON: PRINTED BY GEORGE EDWARD EYRE AND WILLIAM SPOTTLSWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEn's MOST EX«'EI.LENr MAJESTY. FOi^ HER MAJESTY'S STATIONKin' OFFICE. 1859. 12 13 U 15 16 «l SCHEDULE. DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR DOUGLAS TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR E. B. LYTTON, BART. Number in Seriei. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Nnnib«r and Date. October 4, 1858 (Private.) October 12, 1< 58 (No. 1.) October 12, 1858 (No. 2.) October 12, 1858 (No. 3.) Octobck'21, 1858 (No. 4.) October 23, 1H58 (No. 5.) October 26, 1858 (No. 6.) October 27, 1858 (No. 7.) November 3, 1858 ; (No. 9.) I November 3, 1858 i (No. 12.) November 4, 1858 (No. 14.) ■ November 4, J85K (No. 15.) i 1 November 5, 1858 (No. 16.) ■ November 5, 1858 (No. 17.) ! November 6, 1858 (No. 21.) November 6, 1858 (No. 22.) SUBJECT. GOVERNOR'S SALARY. With ruliTt'iuc (o his Apimintinent as Governor. Suggests that 5,000/. ytn annum would not hv more than sufficient for his maintcniinco PROCLAMATIONS forwarded rpsix-cting,— 1. Prohibiting the sale of Intoxicating Liquors to the Indians. 2. Warning nil Persons against occupying or disposing without proper authority of Crown Lands. 3. Notice of Survey of Land in the vicinity of Old Fort Langley -....■. ROYAL ENGINEERS. States that arrangements will \v madr for the reception of the Company of Sappers and Minors GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO ERASER'S RIVER. Report on the General State of Public AfTairs at Eraser's River during a recent visit. Transmitting Commission establishing Criminal Court for the Trial of W. King .... IMPERIAL ACT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF URITISII COLUMBIA, acknowledged - ... Page. SALE OF CROWN LANDS. Forwards a Form of Title for Town Lots of Land ..... GENERAL REPORT ON THE STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. Submits a Scheme for the Establishment of a Civil and Criminal Judiciary. Transmits Abstract of Public Revenue, and also a Report by Captain Richards on the Har- bours of Vancouver's Island and British Columbia SALE OF CROWN LAND. Encloses Report describing ex- isting arrangements for the Sale of Land, with Observations - SEAPORT-TOWN, Suggestions on the Establishment of a NAVAL DEFENCES. Acknowledges Despatches relating In the Naval Defences of Colony .... ROYAL ENGINEERS. Relative to Payment of Expenses of Detachment of Royal Engineers .... ROYAL ENGINEERS. Expresses satisfaction as to arrange- ments made for sending Royal Engineers .... POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS, relative to . . . PROTECTION OF NATIVE INDIAN TRIBES ; JURISDICTION OF THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY. j Acknowledges Despatch relative to queries addressed to Her Majesty's Slinister at Washington by Pacific Mail Steam Packet Company ...... MISSIONARY CHAPLAINS. Acknowledges Despatch an- nouncing it to be the intention of the Society for the Propa- { gation of the Gospel to send Missionary Chaplains a 2 3 7 ■I " 17 It) 20 20 21 22 23 23 23 I' ! t 1 » . Numbrr in Strlri, Number ind Uilc. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 Novcmtwr fi, 1858 (No. 23.) November 8, 1858 (No. 23.) NovcinlxT 8, 18.'J8 (No. 26) Novuml)cr 8, 1858 (No. 27.) NovcnilxT 9, 1858 (No. 28.) •iil)cr9, 1858 (No. 29.) November 9, 1858 (No. 30.) Novcmlicr 13, 1858 (No. 31.) November 27, 1858 (No. 34.) November 27, 1858 (No. 35.) November 27, 1858 (No. 37.) November 29, 1858 (No. 38.) Novembor 30, 1858 • (No. 39.) November 30. 1858 • (No. 40.) December 4, 1858 (No. 4i ) December 9, 1858 (No. 45.) December 9, 1858 (No. 46.) h SUBJECT. UKVOCATION OF (JHANT TO HUDSON'S HAT COM- PANY. Slating that tlic I'roclpinalion of the Queen's Itevo- vution of the Crown Grunt of the .30tli May 1838, to the lIudflon'H Hay Company will shortly bo made ... I'lHCHASK OF LAND BV NAVAL AND MILITARY OFFICKHS. Reporting opinion an to licmiHxion on the Pur- chase of Lrtntain Grant and Detachment of Royal Engineers to Fort Langlcy, and that proper Accommodation Imd been provided ....... EMPLOYMENT OF GUN -BOATS. Reports having con. veyed to Captain Prevost and Captain Richards the thanks of Her Majesty's Government for their assistance. Suggests the employment of one or two gun-boats of light draught FIRST SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS at "Old Fort Lang- ley." Satisfactory result. Two days' sale produced 13,000/. Transmits paper as to right of aliens to hold lands DISPOSAL OF CRIMINALS. Requests Instructions as to the Disposal of Criminals sentenced to I'ransportation MINING DISTRICTS. exported Y'ield of Gold. Amount of Gold PROCLAMATIONS TRANSMITTED. 1. Relating to the Conveyance of Crown Lands. 2. Levying Customs Duties on Imports .... ...... CHAPLAIN FOR THE MINING DISTRICTS. Acknow- ledges Despatch announcing that the Rev. James Gammage had Ix-en selected by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to officiate among the Mining Population . . . ALLOWANCE OF PAY TO THE COMPANIES OF H.M. SHIPS "SATELLITE" AND "PLUMPER" Page. 24 24 25 25 2fi 25 27 33 34 35 36 37 39 39 41 43 43 Number Id BtriM. 34 35 36 37 38 39 to 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 4D 50 51 52 53 41 43 43 Nunlx-r in B*ric(. 34 35 36 37 3» 39 40 41 42 43 41 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 NnmlH-r and Uttt. 8U1WECT. DefcmlKjr 7, 185R (No. 50.) December 14, 1H58 (No. 31.) December 24, 1858 (No. 52.) December 27, 1858 (No. 56.) December 28, 1858 (No. 58.) December 29, 1858 (No. 62.) December 30, 1858 (No. 63.) January 6, 1 859 (No. 65.) January 8, 1859 (No. 68.) Junuary 15, 1859 (No. 76.) Januiiry 21, 1859 (No. 79.) January 22, 1859 (No. 80.) February 4, 1859 (No. 90.) February 4, 1859 (No. 92.) Fobruary 5, 1859 (No. 93.) February 7, 1859 (No. 95.) February 9, 1859 (No. 96.) February 19, 1859 (No. 104.) March 10, 1859 (No. 111.) March 14, 1859 (No. 114.) Pift. CLAIMS OF HUDSON'S HAY COMPANY to certain Tracts I oS LIGHTHOUSES. Enclosing the Report of Captain Richards of | H.M.S. " Plumper" upon the positions for the Lights, accom panicd by tracings of the line of the coast ... ,-,s THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. Enclosing the Report of Colonel Moody on the Site for the Seat of Government . 59 NAME OF THE CAPITAL. Stating that the Name -f the Seat of Government has been called " Queensbr)rougli " for the present, and requests Her Majesty to name the Capital . 61 STATE OF BRITIS!! COLUMBIA u)) to the ])resent time reported - - - - - - - 61 DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND WORKS. Enclosing Notes on the Department by Colonel Moody - - - - 62 PROCLAJIATION relative to LAND SALES enclosed - 64 AFFAIRS OF THE COLONY relative to Mining Operation.s, Gold Produce, &c., up to the present time reported - .66 PROTECTION OF THE INDIAN TRIBES. Observation, on tlie policy to bo observed towards the Indian Trilies of British Columbia, and touching en the prominent features of a proposeil system for their protection - - . » . ■ 68 a 3 yi Nombvr in Number uid D«t« aniuKCT. PH». <4 March 18, 18Si) (No. 116.) THK GOVKRNORS MKASUBKS. Kxpreswng Iiih Kratiflca- tion at the approvnl of M.M. Govcrimient 69 .^6 March 25, 1HA» (No. 123.) GOLD DISCOVEIUES. H.portiiiK; thi' discov.iy c>f a hiiiip weighing 27 ounces, uiiulf MbfcIi 10, 1H.'>9 (No. 30.) M»rrli 1,-). lH.j<» (No. a2.) Miircli HI, IH.W (No. as.) Mnrrli 22, 18.'>9 (No. :i6.) Murcli 2-4. 18o!» (No. 39.) April 11. 18,59 (No. 48.) April 12, 18')9 (No. 50.) April 12, 18.W (No. ,51.) May 5. 1859 - (No. (51.) May 7, 1859 - (No. 62.) May 11, 1859 - (No. 63.) May 14, 18,59 - (No. 64. ) May 20. 1859 - (No. 67.) May 23, 1859 - .» (No. 70.) MayH 1859 - (No. 71.) aCBJBCT. NAVAL PROTKCTION. Kelativ« to tlit> tttting of two gUD- tuiaU for nervk'** in British Culumbia ... ADMINISTRATION OF .M'STU'K. Ah to th<- Admiwiion of I'drci;/!! ('oiMis(4 lo priM'tioc - . . . . PKOCLA.MA TIONS. Approvot of liir Proclamation!" iwueJ rcliitivr to till' ('onvi'VHnri' of Crown LiiniN and lni|H>rt Dutica OlTRACiK.S AT KORT YALK ANU HILLS HAB. pri'ir defrayed from the Revenues of the Colony - - . . . . •' NEW WESTMINSTER." decided that the Capital of " New Wcitminstcr " - SALE OF CROWN LAND.S. to tli(^ dispo.ial of Crown Landn Staling lliiil Ilei- .Majesty had British Columbia nhall be ealled Conveying directions relative I LIGIITIIOL'SES. Eni'losing a Correspondence between the Colonial Otfiee, the Adniiriilly, the Board of Trade, and the Treasury relative to the Erection of Lijjhthiiuscs in F'ucas .Straits ] and the Approaches to Esquinialt Harbour ... I Air.M;;s of uiiiTisii Columbia. A-knowiedging I Governor's Despatch, No. 123, of 25lli March 1859, relative to i the state of affairs to that date, and the result of explorations I made by Mr. Downie -.-... I PROTECTION OF THE INDIAN TRIBES. Acknowledges I Governor's Despatch on tlie subject of the policy to be observed towards the Indian Tribes, and eontaining an opinion as to the I feasibility of locating the Indians in native villages, with a I view to their protection and civilization ... j SALARY OF THE GOVERNOR. Relative to the inadequacv of the Salary assigned to the office of Governor of British I Columbia -...-.. i SITE OF THE CAPITAL AND SEAPORT OF BRITISH j COLUMBIA. Approving of the steps taken for the Selection of the Site ....... PH*. HI 81 H2 S2 82 S2 85 86 86 91 92 92 92 iLA.PS. MAP OF BRITISH COLUMBLA. PLAN OF PART OF FBASER'S R1V1:R, showing the Character of the Ground from the Entrance to the Site of Old Fort Langley. Copy of 01 (Private.) Sill, 1. Ii " confidcntia liow grateful for the cuiiti( Hudson's l)u ii, I obser Columbia, tii terms of u C ment was t( Governor of I should giv Hudson's 13ii well as relin puny. I obi of the Huds( 3. On tlio my humble i I will take e; my Puget's Government thus culled u The sum i larger allowi purpose, in t of labour, an values in Kn^ 4. The su be no more t made merely of the oflSce ; Vancouver's of means, anc to be equal tc 5. I take 1 assured that respectable < resources, an I shall tal decision. A The Right I &c. II PAPERS RKLATIVE TO THE AFKMHS OK lUlITISII COLUMIMA. I'AKT II. Despatches from Governor Doiij^jlus. No. 1. Cop* of DESPATCH from (lovernor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. H. Lyttom, Bart. (Private.) Victoria, Vancouvi-i's hl.iiiil, October l, ISOS. (Ud'civfil 1) Iilliir 10. IN,-)S.) Sin, ( Aiii'wrrcd. " IViviitc," Dcccinlicr l(i, |H,')H, pii^'' 7;(. ) 1. I HAVE the hciioiir to acknowledge tlic receipt of your Despatches, markeii "confidential," of the IfJtii* andSlst* of July hist, and I can lianliv find words to express how grateful J am for your kind noticeof my public services, and t would also thank you for the cautions given in respect to my public acts while connected in business with the Hudson's Bay Company. a. 1 observe the intention of Her Majesty's Government to appoint a (iovernor for Columbia, and that it was their desire to appoint mc at once to that oH'ce on the usual terms of a Governor's appointment, namely, for six years at least, and that this (loverii- ment was to be held for the present in conjunction witii a separate Commission as Governor of Vancouver's Lsland ; that offer being made subject to one condition, that I should give up, on receivinj^ the appointment thus offered, all coimexion with tiie Hudson's 13ay (Jompany, either as a servant or a sharcliolder, or in any other capacity, as well as relinquishing directly or indirectly all connexion with tlic I'uget's .Sound Com- pany. I observe also that you made that proposal with the actpiiescenccof the Ciovernor o( the Hudson's Bay Company, who had seen your Despatch of the Kith of July. S. On those conditions, and with the consent of the Hudson's Bay Company, I |)lace my humble .services unhesitatingly at the dis|)osal of Her .Majesty's Government, and I will take early measures for withdrawing from the Company's service, and disnosinp; of my Puget's Sound stock, trusting that the allowances as to salary from Her Niajcsty's Government will be adequate to my support, in a manner worthy of the position 1 am thus called upon to fill. The sum mentioned in your letter for British Columbia, admitting t'lat a ;-eparate and larger allowance was made for Vancouver's Island, is manifestly insufficient for that purpose, in this very expensive country, where food, clothing, servants' wages, the price of labour, and in short, of every necessary of life, so far exceeds the standard of those values in England. 4. The sum of .1,000/. per annum, including the salaries for both Governments, woidd be no more than sufficient to cover the actual expenditine of that position •, a suggestion made merely for your information, as I feel assured you wish me to maintain the dignity of the office; and my own fortune, impaired by tiie almost imrequited tenure of office in Vancouver's Island, cannot afford the outlay. Otherwise I should be independent in |)oint of means, and in a measure indifferent about the emoluments of office, which I only wish to be equal to the respectable representation of Her Majesty's Government in this country. 5. I take the liberty of making those suggestions, with the more confidence, as I feel assured that the resources of the country can aflbrd the expense of maintaining a respectable Government, and I shall do everything in my power to develop those rting condition. Driti»u CtiLl MHIA. Mo. I. Si !• paKf* ♦:! Ill 44. I'uri I. lay Company of my present resources, and to bring the Colony rapidly into a seif-supportir I shall take immediate steps to inform the Hudson s Ba decision. Awaiting your further instructions, I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) .lAMES DOUGLA.S, &c. &c. &c. Governor. II V.IMII-M ClIIMIUA. 2 PAPERS 11P:LATI.n'G TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. No. 2. Cory of UJvSl'ATCII fiom Governor Dololas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton Bart. (No. 1.) Sin, Knil. Ni). I. I'liH. No Victoria, Vancouver's Island, October 12, 1858. (Urccivtd J)fci'iiibci- 14, 1H58.) (AiikwckmI, Xo. I), .Tammry 'JO, IHoi), p. 76.) I HAVK the lionour of rorwanling herewitli for your infoimation, u Proclamation issued by me on the (itii day of September last, jjiohibitini; the gift or sale of intoxicating drinks to the native Indians o( Eraser's River; and also a I'roclamation issued at Eort Yale, on the 15th day of tiie same month, warning ail persons against occii. pying or disposing, without j)roper authority, of r^rown lands in Eraser's River, a proceeding rendered necessary, in consequence of an atteni|;t made by James Ray, and (Mier parties, to take possession of certain valuable Cio".';i lands in British Columbia, and as reported, to make collusive sale of the same ; and also a kmI.no.]!. notice of the intention of Govciument to survey the land in the vicinity of Old Eort Langley, and to lay it out in blocks and town lots, which will be put up for public sale on or about the '20th of the present month. I am not certain about the form of title usually issued on the sale of town lots, or of other Crown lands in Her Majesty's Colonies, and will feel obliged by your directing forms of such deeds to be forwarded to me without delay. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. &c. lOiifloHiirc I iu No. L>. linelosure 1 in Xo. 2. PllOCLAMATIOX By His Excellenuy, Jamks Dorcii.As, Governor of Vancouver's Island and its Dependencies, Commander-in-Chief and Vice-Admiral of the same, kc. i:c. &c. WiiKiiKAs it has been represented to mu that spirituous and other intoxicating liquors have been solil to tho native Indians of Fraser's River, and elsewhere, to the great injury and demoralization of the said Indians; and, also, thereby endangciinsr the pubUc; peace, and the lives and property of Her Majesty's subjects, and others in the said Mstricts. Now, be it known unto all men, that the sale or gift of spirituous or other intoxicating drinks to the said nati-a Lidians, is contrary to law, and is hereby strictly prohibited, and that persons charged with such otl'ences will be jjroceeded against accordingly, and on conviction thereof before a Magistrate, will be mulcted in the penal sum of not more than twenty pounds, nor less than five pounds, for each and every otfencc, and in default of payment of such penalty, shall be committed to jail, with or without hard labour, for a period of not more than six, nor less than two months. Given under my hand and seal, at Fort Hope, this sixth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, and in the twenty-second year of Her Majesty's reign. James Dor(;i,As, (i„s.) Governor. IJy His Excellency's Command, Wni. Manson, Acting Secretary. God sAvi: thk Quekx, Knclosii'.c 2 ill Enclosure 2 in No. 'J. Notice. Land Oflice, Victoria, October Ist, 185t*. Notice is hereby given that the land in the vicinity of, and including the site of " Old Fort Langley '' is to l)c surveyed for a town site. Corner posts of the blocks will be put in, the blocks numbered, and town lots sold without reservation — unless for the use of Government — at Victoria, on or about the iiUth instant The upset price to be one hundred dollars per single lot of 04 by 120 feet. By order of the Governor. JosEi'ii D. Peaibi'.rton, Colonial Surveyor. Kuclosuri' .J ill N.i. J. Enclosure 3 in No. 2. Puod.AMATlON IJy His Excellency James Dooulas, Governor of Vancouver's Island and its Dependencies, Commander-in-Chief and Vice-Admiral of the same, iic. lac. &c. W.iEUEAs it has been made to appear to me that certain persons in Victoria and elsewhere, have attempted to delude the public, by making pretended sales of certain lands on Fraser's Uiver: Now, I do hereby warn all persons whom it may concern, that no lands at or near Langley, or else- Jj_ PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 5 B. Lytton, I a, 1858. 76.) oclamation, ntoxicating 1 issued at linst occii- ipr's River, by James I lands in and also a ity ol" Old put up for II lots, or of ir directing ,AS, jovernor. idencies, ors have been loralization of lerty of Her drinks to the charged with igistrate, will for each and th or without n the year of •cond year of Governor, Ist, 1H5S. )rt Langley '' It reservation it price to be Surveyor. dencies, ■where, have er: gley, or ehe- »here on Fraser's River, have been in any manner rncumberod or sold, and that the title to all snoli lands is vested in the Crown, and that any person found oiciiiiyinK the same without dm- authority from me^ will be suinnrihaly ojc(jteS.58. (Itei'civod Dorcmhcr 14, 1H")S.) Sir, (Answered No, GO, December MO, IH.'iS, p. 74.) 1. I TAKE the liberty of .submitting, for the information of Her Majesty's Govern- ment, a report of my observations on the state of public affairs, during a late visit to Fraser's River, necessarily brief, as my time is engrossed not only with the executive duties of Government, but also in attending to all the details of inferior departments, which must hereafler devolve on other officers. 2. I was accompanied in that expedition by a force of 35 non-conuni.ssioned officers and men, kindly furnished by Captain Prevost of Her Majesty's ship ••vSateliite," and by Major Hawkins, Her Majesty's Boundary Commissioner, tiie military force being under the command of that active and zealous officer, assisted by Lieutenant Jones of tiic "Satellite." 3. The party was conveyed to Point Roberts, at the entrance of Fraser's River, by the Hudson's Bay Company's Propeller " Otter," and was there transhipped into the stern-wheel river steamer " Umatilla." We disembarked at Fort Langley on the evening of the second day after leaving \'ic- toria, and in two days more we arrived by the same steamer at Fort Hope ; the river, though much abated in force, from being less swollen than it was in summer, still running A 2 V. 4 I PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. llllITlKlI CoLrMIIIA. (Kncloiiirr I. at some points with a force and impetuosity almost insurmountable by the power of the steamer. k Our tents were pitched, and a regular camp formed near Fort Hope, it being here that the work of organization was to begin. 5. My first attention was devoted to tiie state of the Indian population. I found them nuicli incensed against the miners ; lieard all their complaints, and was irresistibly led to the conclusion that the improper use of spirituous liquors had caused many of the evils they complained of. I thereupon issued a proclamation, of which I have transmitted a copy,* warninj; all persons against the practice, and declaring the sale or gift of spirituous liquors to Indiiins a penal offence, and I feel satisfied tliat the rigid enforcement of the proclamation will be of great advantage both to the whites and Indians. (). I also received at Fort Hope visits from the Chiefs of Thompson's River, to whom I communicated the wishes of Her Majesty's Government on their behalf, and gave them mucii useful advice for their guidance in the altered state of the country. I also distributed presents of clotliiug to the principal men as a token of regard. 7. My attention was then attracted to the state of the white population. Upwards of 300 persons engaged in trade and other pursuits were living about the Fort, in tents and unseemly comfortless huts, all desirous of settling in the country provided land could be acquired under a legal title. Not being invested with legal powers to grant titles, I hit upon an expedient, which, without an undue assumption of authority, met the difficulty. S. Having just ascertained, from your Despatch of the 1st of Jidy last, that it was the wish of Her Majesty's Government to colonize the country and develop its resources, I proposed to the inhabitants of the place to lay out certain lands as a town site, and to grant a right of occupation for town lots, under a lease terminable at the pleasure of the Crown, and to be held at a monthly rental of 41«. 8rf. sterling, payable in advance, and with the understanding that the holder would be allowed a pre-emption right of purchase when the land is sold, in which case the sum of monthly rent paid would be considered as part of the purchase money. 9. The people gladly assented to the terms, and having fixed upon a town site near Fort Hope, Mr. Commissioner Travaiilot, assisted by Corporal Fisher, Royal Engineer, was immediately employed in surveying the site, and laying out town lots, the principal streets running parallel, and the cross streets at right angles with the course of Fraser's River. The size of town lots is 120 by 66 feet, and the price to be paid is '■201. I6s. Hd. for each lot. 10. The next object which claimed my attention was the regulation of the sale of ardent spirits in Fraser's iliver. There being no means of preventing its introduction into the country, it appeared to me that the wisest policy would he to regulate the trade, by granting licences for the sale of spirits to certain parties of respectable character, wlio might open houses for the entertainment of the public. Two spirit licences were accord- ingly issued at Fort Hope, for which the holders paid the sum of GOO dollars each, being l,iHn) dollars in all, into the public treasurv. 11. My attention was then directed to the administration of justice. A considerable staff of public officers is necessary at Fort Hope, to consist of a'magistrate, sheriff, and constabulary force, but the expense would have been so great, owing to tlie,higli price of labour, that I thought it proper to consult you on the subject before incurring the expense. No man of worth will accept employment at less than three aiul a quarter dollars, or thirteen shillings and sevenpence a day ; the men, however, in that case, finding their own board and lodging. I, however, made the following appointments : — Robert Smith, a native of Scotland, to be justice of peace and revenue officer; Robert Ladner, to be chief constable. A court-house and jail are much wanted at Fort Hope; but they cannot at present be put up for less than 5,000/. ; and for the same reason, that is, the great expense, 1 did not make any arrangements to provide those indispensable buildings, for want of funds and authority to pay by drafts on Her Majesty's Govern- ment. 1^2. A Court was held for the trial of petty uffences, and sat every other day during our stay at Fort Hope ; and I issueu a commission appointing a Court for the trial of criminal offences, in which Mr. Pearkes, Crown Solicitor of Vancouver's Island, presided, assisted by Donald Eraser, Ksquire, a gentleman of high legal attainments, who accom- panied me from Vancouver's Island, and Mr. Justice Smith. 13. One case only was brought before the latter court, the trial of William King, for the murder of William Eaton on a mining bar in the upper parts of Fraser's River. Tlie defendant was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to transportation for life, it was reported to me, when the court was about to open for the trial of King, that a large .tJ PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 5 body of miners, then present, intended to rescue the prisoner ; but, whatever may have been their intention, it was not carried into effect, as the proceedinj^s went off quietly, and were iu no sla^e interrupted by any riotous demonstration. 14. After a week's sojourn at Fort Hope, employed in the settlement of those ailliirs, we proceeded on our journey up Kraser's River in three large boats. Though tlie distance to Fort Yale does not exceed fifteen miles, it occupied two days, as we travelled slowly, walking nearly the whole way, attended by the boats, and stopping atall the mining bars on the river (or the purpose of seeing the numerous bodies of miners working there. We estimated that about y,000 persons are engaged in gold mining on the banks of that part of the river. I entered into conversation witli the mini is, inquired into their wants, heard their complaints, explained to tliem the views and intentions of Her Majesty's Government, the reason and object of the regulations which had been established, and ascertained that their daily earnings were tioin five to twenty-live dollars to the man working with cradles or rockers. 15. I was rr.uch struck with the healtiiy, robust appearance of the miners, who were generally living in canvas tents or log huts, exposed to many discomforts, yet all seem- ingly iu perfect health, pleased with the country, and abundantly supplied with wholesome food. 16. The whole course of the river exhibited a wonderful scene of enterprize and industry. I was particularly struck with the ingenious contrivances for distributing watrt' ; wherever the natural supply was not convenient, small streams had, in such cases, been diverted frotn their course and conveyed in skilfully graded ditches, even from a distance of three miles, and led along the higher parts of the mining bars for sluice washings ; the owners of the ditches charging a certain sum per inch for the water supplied to the sluices. The sluice is far inferior, as a means of washing gold out of the soil, to the cradle, and is a wonderfully labour-saving machine. 17. To give an idea of the sums produced by sluices, and the advantage of that mode of working gold, I will here relate the infon.iation received fiom person* who employed those useful machines on their claims. For example, a Mr. Cushing, who had five hired rpen employed on his sluice, at wages ranging from five to eight dollars each a day, received, in one week, a yield of 2,500 dollars. Another person, named George Cade, who owns a sluice on Hill's Bar, and constantly employs four hired men, at wages of five dollars a day each, averaged, during the six days preceding our arrival, 400 dollars a day ; and Martin Gallagher makes about thirty-two dollars a day to the man out of ground already washed by the cradle to the depth of eighteen inches. Those were the greatest instances of mining success which we met with in our progress ; elsewhere the mines are not so productive, ranging, as before stated, in tlie deeper and more developed workings, from seven to twenty-five dollars a day. The river was tiien falling rapidly, and claims were daily being taken up by new-comers, wherever a bit of dry beach could be found, and even those surface claims were yielding from two-and-half to five dollars to the hanii, with the rocker. That yield, however, is not considered wages by tlie Califoruian miner, nor any other sum under six dollars a day. 18. We found a large assemblage of })cople at Fort Yale expecting our arrival with some anxiety, in order to ascertain the views of Her Majesty's Govenunent. l!). According to their earnest request I met them the following day at a j)iiblic meeting, and delivered a short address, in which I announced the instructions 1 had received from He'- Majesty's Government, as contained iu your Despatch of the 1st of July last, and the tidings were received with satisfaction. 20. l he same process of organization was gone through here as at Fort Hope. The Indians were assembled, and made no secret of their dislike to their white visitor^. They had many complaints of maltreatment, and in all cases where redress was |)ossible it was granted without delay. One small party of those natives laid claim to a particular part of the river, which they wished to be reserved for their own purposes, a request which was immediately granted, the space staked off", and the miners who had taken claims there were immediately removed, and public notice given that the place was reserved for the Indians, and that no one would be allowed to occupy it witiiout their consent. 21. A town site was also marked out at I'ort Yale, and leases of town lots issued to all persons desirous of settling and building there, upon the same conditions and at the same charge as the town lots disposed of at Fort Hope. 2'i. Several spirit licences were also issued, to check the profuse and illegal sale ot ardent spirits. (23. ^Ir. Solicitor Pcarkes opened Court, and heard all cases that were brought before liim. None of them were, however, of a very serious nature. A 3 ItltlTIHlI C'or.l MBIA. ■i 6 I'APERS REI.ATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. I nni ( ..I IIHH vr.n. ' S,-0 1.: I'.irt :. QV, Fort Yale is the head of steamboat iiaviijation, and tlie ascent of the river beyond that point is cxcc(^dinRly danj^croii'i at all seasons of the year, and impracticable during the Miniiiier freshets, in consequence of a succession of rapids wiiicli occur in the defiles of tbe Cascade Mountains, throuijli which the river passes for a distance of thirteen miles. A road from tiiat point is therclbre carried over the mountains by Douglas Porlajfe, on wiiich I have lately authorized a ,t,'oo(i mule road to be made, and several bridges constructed at the pid)lic charge, lor the convenience of transportini^ supplies to the upper mininjr bars and interior of the coinitry. From the upper eiul of Douglas I'orfaifc the country presents a succession of steep rut^ged hills as' far as the Indian villasre of Quaiomei and it will take a large sum ot money, if even practicable, to make any better than a diilicnit mule track tinouijii that district of Frazer's River. 'i.'J. A number of enterprizing adventurers have, nevertheless, contrived to get several mule trains upon tliat road, and now transport supplies for the miners to the forks of Thompson's Ri\er, a distance of 100 miles, at a freight ciiarge of two shillings a pound, so that a pound of fioiu- delivered at the forks of Tiiompson's lliver, including the price of tlie article at Fort Yale, costs the miner exactly ^-s-. .j.',rf- '2('). It was lamentable to hear of the fiital accidents that were daily occurring to miners, who, to avoid the high rate of charge i'or land trausjiort, were striving to make their wav in boats and canoes by the river, through those ju'rilous defiles. Seven men wer>' drowned through such accidents during the few days we remained at Fort Yale, and there was also a great los, of property at the same time. 27. One of tlie first objects requiring tlie attention of Government is to o])en up the country by a system of roads, as by the present mode of access the cost of transporting provisions to the interior will al)sorb the miner's whole earnings; and even at the present liigh prices of transport, it will perhaps be impossible by this route to take in food enough for the support of a large population. In order to colonize the country, therefore, it is obviously necessary to make good roads. 28. ^\'e i()imd al)out 2,000 whites living near Fort Yale, chiefly in canvas tents, though some few had just erected habitations of wood. 2!). A saw mill was just finislied, and leases of town lots having been issued, it was expected that buildings of a more sid)stantial character would be erected without delay, such being the generally expressed intention of the persons who wished to make it their winter homes. 80. Fort Yale is the residence of Mr. Hicks, Assistant Commissioner of ('rown Lands, his office consisting of a simple canvas tent. Public buildings will be required without delay, say a residence for the Commissioner, barracks for the police, a post office, a court house, and jail. I am almost afraid to s;iy how much those buildings will cost, as there is no iloubt the expense will be something very large. 31. A regular j)olicc force, consisting of one chief constable, at 150 dollars a inontli, and five policemen at 100 dollars each a month, were appointed iluring my stay at Fort Yale. This is a \ery high rate of pay, but no men worth having will serve for less. 32. I caused a body of \4 special policemen to be sworn into the civil service at Fort Yale, selected from those persons who had received leases of town lots, and intentled to make that place their permanent residence; no dependence can be placed on many of the other inhabitants, who are as yet merely birds of jjassage, and have no views in Fraser's River, except the one idea of making their pile of gold and leaving the country. It is that roving class that are likely to give troui)le to the (Government. Hi. Before I left Fort Yale, Mr. Commissioner Hicks made a successful beginning of C()llecting trading licences from all ])ersons doing business at Yale. 1 also directed him to issue mining hcencesto miners holding remunerative claims, but to no others, my im- mediate object being to call in theccrtificatcsof mining duty paid in advance by intending miners at Victoria, according to the regtdation advi-sed in my Despatch No. 28* of the l!)ih of .June last, it being understood that tiiose certiHcatcs woidd be taken in payment of their first month's mining from all p;u'ties holding such in their possession, lest after mining successfully they migiit come forward and reclaim their money. .'34. He accordingly visited the several bars, accompanied by Justice Perrier and two ))olicemen ; marked out and delined the boundaries of claims, settled all cases of disputed lines, and collected upwards of 500 certificates for as many mining claims. 35. I left him on my return to Victoria, in the midst of that occupation, and after I had ascertained that the several regulations established for the purpose of providing a public revenue were being quietly carrier! into effect. ■')(). Information was received fiom Victoria, during my stay at Fort Yale, that some speculators, taking advantage of my absence, had squatted on a valuable tract of public land near tlie mouth of Fraser's River, commonly known as the site of old Fort Langley, and employ* were offeriuf the scheme To put the p would give r issue a procl lands in that any persons i as the law di That proc decided eftec laying ofi'thi benefit of tlu 37. I am myjoin-ney, 38. Iwill taken, and lu The Right &c. By His Exc couver's Island To all to wh( Know ye, thi loyalty, integril I have appoii be Commission information, or officer, or grand To have and upon conviction And this slia tuting said Crir King and in the Givi A Copy of DEI (No. 4.) Sir, I IIAV 14th August British Coliin me with the necessary in i You, nevei their arrival Government, absolutely ne the principle transmitted t August last, to assure you to perform, v The High &c. PAPKIJS HKLATING TO BRIII.SH COLUMBIA. 7 and employed siiiveyors at a great ex|)en.se to lay it out into btiililiinj: lots, wliicli they were offeriii*'' ibr sale, hoping liy that iiRaiis to iiitcie.it a .siilficieiit niniiber of persons in the scheme as would overawe the (jovtMiiineiit ami induee a eontirmatioii of their title. To put thepuhlic upon tiieir uiiard, and to defeat u swindling; schunio, wliich. if tolerated, would give rise to other nefiirious transactions of the same kind, I thouglit it noet'ssarv to issue a proclamation,* of which a copy is transmitted, \varnin;:all persons that the Crown lands in that i)art of the conntry had not been alienated or in any way encnnil)i'red, that any persons making fraiidnlent sales of land appertiiining to the Crou n, would he jjunisheil as the law directs, and persons holding such lands woiilil he summarily ejected. That proclamation was immediately forwarded to Victoria and published, with so decided effect on the public mind as entirely to break up the scheme, and we are now laying off the site of Old Fort Langley in town lots, to be sold for aceoinit and for •' benefit of the public revenue. 37- I ill" iiighly pleased with Major Hawkins, R.E., who coiiuuanded the escort my join-ney, having received much assistance from that active and zealous ofHcer. 3S. 1 will here bring this Despatch to a close, having thus briefly deseribed the nieasmes taken, and narrated the chief events of an excursion of nearly a niontli's duration. I have, &:r. The Right Hon. Sir E. 13. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) J.A.MKS DOUOLAS. &c. kc. &c. t!ie in it>!iri>ii (. "'I iMr.i.v. - 1 '.!.•■• J, Kiici'tMiro I ) » KiK'losure 1 in Xo. 4. ('ommission establishing Crimiiuil Court for the Trial of William King. By His Excellfiiuy .Ia.mks DoiiJi.As, Governor unci Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of Van- couver's Island and its Depentlencios, and Vice-Adniiral of the same, vV'c. iSce. Ve. To all to whom these presents shall eome, or whom the same may conecm, greeting, — Know ye, that by virtue of the power ami authority in me vesteil, and reposing conlidcuee in the loyalty, integrity, and ability of George Fearkes, Donald l''raser, and llobert T. .Smith, 1 have appointed and do hereby a)>puint the said George I'earkes, Donald Fraser, and K. T. .'smith to be Commissioners constituting a Criminal Court for the trial of William King, upon any charge, information, or indictment, now found or diat may be hcieaftcr found against him, by any judicial officer, or grand jury of Krascr's Hiver District. To have and to exercise all the powers necessary for such trial, and to ])a?s and enforce sentence upon conviction of him, the said William King, according to law. And this shall he your commifsion and warrant, for whatsoever you, tliu said Commissioners consti- tuting said Criminal (^ourt, shall lawfully do in the arraignment, trial, conviction of the said William King and in the execution of any sentence by you jjronouiiced. Given under my hand and seal at Fort Hope, in the District of Krascr's Hiver, this ninth day of September, in the year of onr Lord, one thousand eight hundred and lifty-eight. and in the twenty-second year of Her Majesty's reign. (Signed) Jamks Doic.las, Governor. ICiaioturc 1 111 -N". 4. No. 5. Copy of DESPATCH from (jovernor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 4.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, October "21, 18J8. Sir, (Hcccivfil Ui'ccinliti- 14, 18.)M.) 1 HAVE the lionoiu" to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 7. of the 14th August last, transmitting to tne copy of an Act, providing for tlie goverinnent of British Colinnbia; and mentioning that there had not been time by that mail to furnish me with the Order in Council, Cotnmission, and Instructions as Governor, wliich un- necessary in order to complete my legal powers. You, nevertheless, are pleased to authorize me to act, during the brief interval before their arrival as I have hitherto done, as the authorized representative of Her Majesty's Government, in the territory of British Columbia, and to take such steps as I may deem absolutely necessary for the government of the territory, and as are not repugnant to the principles of British law, and as are in conformity with the directions you have transmitted to me, on several subjects, in your Despatches, No. H* ami •),• of the 14th August last, and in such others as I may receive from you hereafter, and I have in reply to assure you that your Instructions on every subject respecting the public duties I liave to perform, will be implicitly obeyed. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. IV.vt I. A 4 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Col.lTMIlIA. I (ll.lMlll No. (i. iiJJf : No. 6. Cory of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B, Lvttok, Bart. Victoria, Vancouver's Islanil, October 23, 18.18. (No. 5.) (H.'ccivcd Deoniibcr 14, 18.)H.) Sill, (Answered, Xo. (i, Jniiiiiii'v 20, IH,"i9, p. 7G.) M'lTH reference to my Despatch, No. l,*of the l'2tii insiant, requesting that forms of titles, as usually issued on the sale of town lots or other Crown lands in Her Majesty's colonies, might be furnished to me without delay, I have the honour to forward herewith a form of title for town lots, which we propose to issue on all sales made of such jjroperty in British Columbia until I receive your instructions on the subject. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Sec. &c. &c. I have, (Signed) &c. JAMES DOUGLAS, Ciovernor. Kiiclnsiirt' ill No. c. Enclosure in No. 6. nitii'iMi Coi.r.MHiA, Vamouvkk's Im.am) Colony, Township oi- , Know all men by tliesc presents that I, James Douglas, Governor of Her Majesty's Colony of itish Columbia, in virtue of the power vested in me liy Her Majesty, in eonsideration of the sum Iler Majesty's Colonial Surveyor, ISritish of to J mid by the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, 1 hereby give and grant unto the said his heirs and assigns for ever, all that lot of land situate the township of .ind known as Lot No. upon tlie official map of the said townshii), with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging, subject to all laws and sanitary regulations now in force, or that may be hereafter established for the convenience and good government of the said township. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal, this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Signed, sealed, and delivered by the alwve-named in the presence of , • Villi' pagi' 47 ol l':irt I. ^'O' ■• No. 7. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 0.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, October 20, 1858. (Kcccivcd Di'cciiilier 14, lHo8.) SlU, (Answered, No. 61, December 30, 1858, p. 74.) 1. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 8,* of the 14th August, and it is with feelings of indescribable satisfaction that I observe that my administrative acts in this country continue to meet the apjjroval of Her Majesty's Government. 2. I have no reason to regret tiie several appointments which were before reported of revenue officers and justices of the peace in Eraser's River, as those persons have continued in the faithful discharge of their duties, greatly to my satisfaction. 3. I am truly glad to learn that it is your intention to semi at the earliest moment an officer authorized to act as judge, and as you are ])leased to say that you await my inti- mations as to the wants and means of the Colony in this sudden rise of .social in.stitutions in a country hitherto so wild, in order to select such law advisers as the conditions and ])rogress of immigration may more innnediately require. And as it is your wish that all legal authorities connected with the Government should be sent from home, and thus freed from every suspicion of local partialities, prejudices, and interests, I have requested Kiiciosurii. Mr. Pearkes, a native of Canada, whom I lately appointed Crown solicitor for Van- "' couver's Island, ■ ilnw up a scheme for establishing a judiciary in Eraser's River, and • now submit the same for your consideration and approval. '1.. The plan is, I conceive, well adapted for the country. The number of judges and inferior officers to be employed will be required as settlement and population increase, but a modified number will answer for the present time. The judicial buildings for holding the several courts and a common gaol in each district are urgently and pressingly wanted, particularly the latter, as we are now for want of gaols in British Columbia under the necessity of sending criminals to Vancouver's Island. Seals of office, the imperial statutes, and law books are wanted for reference in the several law courts of the Colony ; and for the guidance of justices of the peace, I would beg you to send at least ('iO) twenty sets of that useful work, " Burn's Justice." 5. I shall not fail to give full effect to the philanthropic views entertained by Her Majesty's Government for the well-being of the native Indian tribes. My late Despatches winter sets m. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 9 COI.I'MBIA. will inform you of the measures adopted for their immediate protection, and I will here- after, when time permits, endeavour to arranr(ii..\s, Oovcrnor of Vaiirouvcr'n Istlnnd and its n('])pn(liMi('ie!i, f'omniiuuicr- in-C'hii'f and Vii't'-Admiral of the Hamc, \'c. iVc \r. , Victoria, October 5i", Is.-iH. I\ compliancp with your Kxccllency'p request, I have the honour to suhmit to your Kxcellency the followiuff |ihin for the organi/.atiun of n Civil and (hies not exceed fifty pounds, 'lliey shall also preside at the Court of Quarter .Session held iu their respective districts for the trial ol' petty crimes and misdemeanors. TTiey shall hold a term once every month. There should he two or more justicDs of the peace in each district, with jurisdiction to take infor- mation in all criminal cases, and when pro))er to issue warrant of arrest, and to examine the case; if the information be for a petty ott'ence, to summarily hear, try, and determiiu' the sanu- ; if for felony or misilemeanor, to hold to bail or commit to jail to be tried by Court of Sessions or Court of .\ssize. The justices to report monthly to the Governor the n\nnber of arrests, what for, trials, accpiittals, convictions, commitments, amount of fines collected, kv. kr. There should be a))|)ointed a high sheriff foi each district, whose duty it shall be to attend the sittings of the .Supreme Court when held in their district, the Court of Nisi I'rius, and assize terms, and the Court of Quarter Session, to enforce the law and execute all the process of the several Courts euiimerated. An efficient constabulary force, to preserve order and carry into effect the process, orders, judgment, and sentences of the justices of the peace, k.c. kc, and Court of Sessions, and when lu'cessary to aid the sheriff in the execution of any process, and when required by the sheritV to aid him in tin- execution of any process. Justices of the peace may from time to time, in their discretion, appoint, under oath, sjjecial constables to enforce the law and carry into effect their orders and sentences. There should be in each district a suitable building for the holding of the several Courts, and a common jail. In the district where the Supreme Co\irt sit in banc a more conunodious Imilding will be re(|uire(i, with proper Court room, judges' chambers, offices for the registrar or clerk, and slieritf. t I beg leave to suggest to your Excellency the paramount necessity of proper legal i)ooks and • statutes for the use ot the various Courts and public officers. Without these indis|)ensable adjuncts the law will be imjiorfectly inuierstood and badly administered. It matters not however brilliant a presiding judge may be, he will find a constant recurrence to legal books and the statutes absolutely necessary to the just admniistration of law. A public expenditure for this purpose will be found most wise and salutary. The want of these necessary aids has greatly endiarrassed the discharge of duties pertaining to the office your Excellency has been pleased to assigned me. I have, kc. (Signed) Gkoiici', Pkaiikks, Crown Solicitor and Attorney. Ilitiri.«ii Col.l MHIA. MiicIiMurt' 1 ill N.>. :. Sniirpmn Court Chief Jlntiw. '\'\\n I'uIhiu. .Ill.licc',. .Iiin,.lh'tlnn. 'rtriliB nf Cuurt. Ue^istntr iir I'l.Tk. S.'»l. Ni.l>liil. .Iiivti(i,t«> rt'ihjrt tolM.Ml- ■. siiiTiir. iiuii.iuf 'I'll iXi-lllli' 111.' I.;i». ( 'iil|st;ilMi!:irv Kiirci-. illltil'M ni; S|i*Tiiii I'lin- stiibk'n. tiow ap|Kiintcil ; liiitii's 111". .Iiidioiul Ituili- ili^'S. liiiiik^ aiij Siiiiiiii's, ii.'i-i'siu 111 Enclosure 2 in No. 7, Burrisii Coi.i-.MiiiA, Abstract of Monies received for Goi.n Mixixr. LicencI'.s (prepaid). Kiiclosiiri' i> in No. 7, Victoria : Amount received Less expeusc of collection " Satellite :" Amount received Less expense of collection " Kccovery :" Amount received Less expense of collection Dollars, cents. 24,970 00 2,.3G7 2.) 1,.:20 00 480 (O G,HHS Gl 8W9 i.', Dollars, centn. 22,402 7u 1.0,39 2.-) 5,999 26 g 29,441 26 E.E., Victoria, Vancouver's Island, October 4, 18o8. (Signed) Ale.x. C. AxDEnsoy, Cullectur. M ^• ^ 2 I'i PAPKllS IlKLATING TO BUITISII COLUMBIA. i i t Uiiixr-'M t'ol.CMIIIA. Kaclniure 3 io ^•o. 7. KiicloHure 8 in No. 7. Dritihii Coi.iMuiA. AnsTnACT of MoNiKH rcreivrd for Si;fff,bak('Hg cxpoiiscs ut' collection • . - Aiiioiiiit collcclcci by the Iliid.soii'n liny Company'.'* briijfiuiluii' " Uccovcry " - Lcitg c.xpon.sci* of collection . . . Uollari. cenu. 270 00 11!) no l,23.'i 00 })8C .1.5 DolUri. cvnli. 15U 10 248 45 »;iy8 .'■).'; K.E., Customs, Victorio, October 4, 1S5M. (Signed) Alex. C. Andekhon, Collector. Koclnsurf 4 In No.:. EneloHure 4 in No. 7. , Hun'iMii C()i.i'Miii.\. An.sTiiACT of MoNiF.s received on nceount of IIkaii Monkv, from Juno 12 to September 30, 18,58. Amount collected - Less expenses of collection Dollars. ccnt.i. .^,761 30 288 08 Uollart. cents. ^5,473 42 K.E., Customs, Victoria, October 24, 18.J8. (Signed) Roukkick Fini.ayson, l)ro Collcctt/f. Knclusure 9 in No. 7. Enclosure 5 in No. 7. HlIITISlI Col.rMlilA. AusTiiACT of M()XiE.s Collected on account of Dutiks, from August 30 to October 26, 1838. Amount collected - Less expenses of eollecti(m I/Css niuount of duties remitted ss nmount ol duties remitted 1 „,, r, iin goiids lost per '• Sea liird" / " ,S499 80 50 Dollars, cents. 9,99G 08 592 30 E.K., Customs, Victoria, October 24, 1858. (Signed) Dollars, cents. ^,<(9,403_78^ KOUEIIRK FlNI-AYSON, pro Collector. Encl'Kiire il in No. 7. Enclosure 6 in No. 7. British Commdia. Recai'iti?i,ation of Abstiiacts. Mining Licenses SuBcraiices Head Money Duties - E.E., Customs, \'ictoria, October 24, l8r>B. 529,441-26 398-55 5,473-42 9,403-78 ^44,717-14 Enclosure 7 in No. Enclosure 7 in No. 7. Copy of Lkttkk from Gkorcf. Hknhy Richards, Captain H. M. Sur^-eying Ship "Plumper," to Governor Douci.as, dated Birch Bay, Gufr of Georgia, October 23, 18.')8. Sin, With reference to your letter of the 14th instant, requesting me to furnish you with a general report on the harbours of \'ancouver's Island and the coast of British Columbia, together with such utiier information us I may have gained in the course of the maritime survey the "Plumper" is engaged in, I have now connexion with cursory than 1 icqiiaintAnee w except in a utrii Tiir Strait oi hiirUmrs on the iidjueent to it separates the H Its entrance 1 124" 4.'>' west Flattery (or ( 'li miles, or to its properly sjieak America. The Strait ol The ai)proae incident to gale season are from not uiilVecpient, se\cral days tof with which thi weather he will The facility i lighthouses on Tha*^ of Caju weather. It i.i 162 feet above navigator; it h 100 feet above i Within the h) the centre of tl: accessible to vei lighted in a sim and distant thir S.E. jioint of pasentially and rocks at no grc It would als<] which would en There are, o render the Ilar( increases they requisite to the day the harliou States on the c- Before quitti both its shores, available to a s On the Vant equal distance sheltered from with good groi even hnd shelti Between Pc anchorage, 'i perfectly land- sailing vessels, far in to gain eastward of S weather the U Island. Having onct can always be Parry Bay, the straits and On the soul Flattery lightl Callum Baj I'APKRS IIKLATING TO nillTISII COLUMniA. 18 I have now the liutiour to forward yuu the vm'h)H(>ii report. The |ireittiiiif( ciilU on my time, in connexion with the lioiindnry Hiirvey, have, I rt'^ret to 'oiinected witli tiiese r(miitrie>t iniiot render any oliHervation.-i iVoui nie, except in a Mtrictly nuutieal sense, almost en|iert1uou!<. I have, iVf. (Signed) (ik.dio.k IIkskv Hicmxiids Captain of II. M. Surveying Ship " IMumper." UniTitii Coi.i Mm*. ('ub-l'Inclmufr. Sn1>-Knelo«ure. 8iih.Enfl««»rt. Tkf. Strait of Fiiea in the great thoroiigiifare tiiron;;h which ships must pasn to reach the ports and hiirlK)nr8 on tiie Houtliern anil eastern roasts of N'ancoiner Island, as well as tliose of llritisii ('ohuidiia adjuoent to it on the continent, and throuKli tiu> centre of tills strait rnns tlie lioundary line which Hejiarates the British possessions from tiiose of tiie I'nited States of Nortii Americiu Its entrance lies i>etween the parallels of 4M' ii^' and 4h' ;J.')' north latitude, ami in the meridian nf 1^4" 4.")' west longitude; I'oint Honilla on Vancouver Island Iteiiif,' its northern point, and Cape Flattery (or Classet) of N'ancoiiver its southern; its direction is nearly east and west for aiiout seventy miles or to its junctiim with the channels, which lead liy a northerly course to the (iulf, or more properly speaking the Strait of (ieorgla, which separates Vancouver Island from the continent of America, . .' » . The Strait of l'"u<'a maintains an average width of iihout elevi'u miles, and is free from hidden dangers. The approach is safe for all description of vessels, lielug siiliject to no other dangers than tho>e incident to gales and fogs, the former are not fre(|ucnt during summer, and the iirevaiiing winds at that gi'iisnn are from S.W. or \.\V. ; during the winter months, or from Octolier until March, S.K. gales are not MiilVe(pient, hut generally with ('(uisiileraMe intervals of trani|uil weather. I'ogs, often lasting for several days together, prevail In Octolier, Novenilier, and Decenilier, auut those I have already mentioned are all tliat aro requisite to the safe navigation of the Strait of l'"ucii, and to enable the seaman to reach by iiiglit or day the harbour of Ks(|ulmalt and Victoria on X'ancouver Island, and the numerous ports of the United .States on the continent between New Dungcness and Admiralty Inlet. Before quitting the Strait of Kuca, It seems dcMiable to oiler a few remarks on the anchor.iges on both its shores, though there are none which, strictly speaking, can be considered as good harbours, available to a ship in distress. On the Vancouver shore are, firstly, I'ort .San .luan, thirteen miles eastward of Bonilla I'oint, and an equal distance from Cajie Klattery ; this Is a spacious bay with a very convenient < " m" jiHt liocn ralli'il into i>xiHtfnri> under tlu> ininii> of Ilritiali ('olund)ia. 'I'hou^li not a lirst-clioH liarliour in |>oint of xi/c, it lian ainnlc room for tuidM' >Witi* of ijii' line, U'Hidt'H innny Hiiiallcr vi'!*s<>l>. It all'ord" ^'ood xlii'lti'i, and tlir holding ({roiuid i" K"*"' ^ " '* <'<>.iv of in^rt'oH aiul I'jfrcKH; the HliorcN of its nuincroiis \in\r* and irrrkn an- well aila|)t<'d for HJiarfaK'', with ■-ullicicnt ilcptli of water for nuMrliant -lii|w to lie alonjjNidi'. There are jfood »iles for doekit, altiiou({li from the small amount of rise anil fall of tide, ten to eleven feet, some excavation would he neiessaru to which the nature of the hottom appeals to oiler no dillicultv. Limestone is ohiainahic, and, m common with all tlie harlmurs of \'aiicou\ei' Island, its shores aie tliickly timhei'ed. It i« not, however, free from the defect which is comnion to the island ffeneiall), vi/., the scarcity nl' natural xprin^H of water in Nunimer; hut water can he alwayx olitained liy Ninkiii); welU to a HutlicitMit depth, and there ix an ine\hauHtihle lake within a short disianeu of the weHtcrn gidu of tliu harlniur, whoMc wate.'H could he conducted to the sea Hide at a very trillinii expeime. There is yet .mother cause which nuist add to the importance of Ks<|uinialt in a inaritimi* point nl' view, which' Ih that it is at the extremity, as it were, ot sailinj^ navijjation. Althoiiffh the (iulf (jf (ieor^ia and the channels leading; into it have heen navi^jated hy sailiiiff vessels, yet the disailvantajfi's are ohvioiw and very jfieat, and the loss of time incaleulahle. The jfeneral alisenee of steady winds anioii^r these channels, the uwnt streiijrth and uncertainty of the tides, and the existence ot many hidden dangers eoulil not fail to he productive of constant accidents, and in a comnu'reial point of view- Hueh a class of vessels coiilil never answer. The time, I a]ipi||>hen(l, i.s paHsed alHU when Hliipaofwar without steam jiower woulil l)e likely to visit these waters. Ksouimalt is, therefore, well adapted as a port of entry for sailing »hips nnikiuf^ the hmg sea voya^re from kiiftland or other distant countries, and is eipially widl Huited lut the depot and starting point of a line (d' steamers for the l''ra/.er lliver or other pints in Mritish Columhiiu The harhimr of Victoria, three miles from KH(|uimalt, though it can never cope with the latter as a naval depot or as a haven for large merchant ships, on account of its intricate and shallow entrance, is nevertheless far from hcing iiniinnortant. N'esaels of considerahle draught can enter hy attending to the tides, and when within there is ani|)le space and depth for a large nuniher id' ships. Near the licail uf Victoria it is only se|)ai'ated from Ksipiimalt hy a narrow neck of land, through which it seems pi'ohalile at no distant time a canal will connect the two harhours. Ten miles eai*tward of Ksipiinuilt, the coa-st of Vancouver Island turns ahrnptly to the N.N.W., and here commences an archipelago which extends eastward to the continent for thirty mileti, and northward for ahout the sanu» distance; through this archipelago there are three distinct ship channels leading into the (iulf or Strait of (ieorgia. The i)iiestion through which id' these channels the boundary line is to he continued from the Gulf of (ieorgia to the .Strait of Knca is at present pending between the liritish Goverimiont and that of the United States of America. The three chainiels in f|uestion are the Ilaro Strait, the Middle Chaimel, and the Uosario Strait. The Ilaro Strait lies between Vancouver Island and the principal islands comiiosing the archipelago; 'he Uosurio .Strait between the continent and the same group; and the Middle channel, as its name r -iports, divides the groii)), taking an almost central direction through the whole. I have already observed that these channels are essentially adapted to steam navigation, and I will add that so soon as the survey now in jirogrcss is comjileted and published (probably in the course of the next j'car), they will bo perfectly safe navigable channels for the largest class of ships with udeipiate steam ])ow er. The Hosario and Ilaro .Straits are pndiably on a par, as regards their capabilities, and if lighted would he safely navigated hy night. The Middle Channel is narrower, and has a somewhat encumbered southern entrance; it would, therefore, probably not he chosen at night, though by day it is eipially safe as the others, and possesses some advantages from being nu)re sheltered. There are safe and good anchorages in each of these straits ; to describe them individually here would, 1 presume, he nnnecessary, as they will all be minutely shown on the chart which is in course of com- pletion, and which will doubtless be ])ublished so soon as received at the Hydrographic Office. I may, however, mention general'y the capabilities of tjie princi|ial of them. In the Haro Strait, Cordova Hay on the western or Vancouver shore otl'ers good anchorage. On Stewart Island, which hel])s to form the eastern side of the strait, there are snug and land-locked harbours, easily accessible to steamers; and among the Saturna grouj) — the western boundary of the strait, wheie it enters the Gulf of Georgia — there is good shelter for a fleet, accessible either to sailing vessels or steamers. In the Middle Channel the principal anchorage is in (iritHn Hay, San .Tuan Island, one mile within the southern entrance : this is in all respects an eligible harbour ; and I may add that the island of San •luan is the only one of any considerahle size which is valuable, in an agricultural point of view, among the whole arehijielago. There is another good harbour, though somewhat small, in the Middle Chaimel; it is also on the eastern. side of San .luan, four miles northward of Grilfin Hay. On VValdron Island there are two good anchorages. In the Hosario Ch.ninel there are also several good anchorages, — on the eastern side, almost at its entrance, between Harrows and Fidalgo Islands, and on the western side equally near the entrance. The eastern shore of Lojiez Island offers good shelter. Further north, in the chaimels between Fidalgo and (lurmes Islands, in the prosecution of our survey, we found convenient anchorage; and Strawberry Hay of Vancouver, on the west side of CyprifSs Island, is an eligible place of shelter. 'rhe islaiul of Orcas, the largest of the whole group, possesses two extensive sounds, which may l)e entered hy the liugest steamers with great facility both from Hosario and the Middle Channels, and either uf them .ire capable of holding tne largest fleets. *'.' r Vv, N O f \ J r\' .■«y; ; I V ,r ni.ii U IJ it woiiki, possesses \ "V_^-S .o V ^ /TlH J»imjtr#» rniidtj. South EiiHi pnrt ol' VANCOrVER ISLAND, nhowimi the /'rv/Hnetl ailrs lor Li^it HoiLseB , on thi' GRUAT RAl'U UUCK AXU FMOAUD ISLAND . e cledrs R^*" '^ Brotrhle le^ge aid ■^<^'^°'J^ on / • • -V 'r/U'S^lim-k I* go 3 * '^ 31 W ^* .J9 32. no " ,"" WJface a -' lo 6» 15 -it 7 IS S2 oa Smiths SmiAi ^JsUfuU^J-^'^^-^'^'^''^' " ~J»ittM9m0ntillilM" l^i^ . V Bbitish columiiia. V M ti ^ e 5 « V -^ ^y i ) 1 7~N "i i/i '!.!. ft" >>>-"1 * 1-1 \ \ / \ ■--■=i.— ; aj >■■ fo „^->, iS -1-1 •11 ' % Bellingham good anchorag partially work( On leaving t which is here f immediately of On its easte coast of which the tongue of 1 a half of this portion of Sem as Drayton Hi Britain, there i eales, and this At Point Re on tfie Americi ard a very indi Seven miles is nortli-caster more than twe have lieen as h There seem that could be < of the country surveyed by tl to judge, and present engag( as the site of t As regJirds i continent, I hi Major Hawkii The faciliti( and commercii lam able to o An cxtensi\ five miles, and northward tov bank the river of Georgia, in water, and fro inside iind out the width of t and at the she The south breaks on it ; The greatei only shows its It is true, tl these marks a in clear weath The measu the river risin A small v( moored, with a pilot, jjrovid position, and exuensivo sys panited, and would not the were removei services, to cc I should ol high as Liing 1)8 a knowled If the light the south sal whether such vessel must ; floating trees Moreover i entrance of t very low an( season of tht In cpnclus emptying itsi PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 15 Bellingham Bay, on the eastern shore of Hosario Channel, in an (utcnsive sheet of water, affordinj^ good anchorage, and where the Americans have more than one town or city. Coal has Wea found and partially worked here. On leaving the archipelago by either of the channels just mentioned we enter the Gulf of Georgi.-i, which is here formed by the continent of America on the east, and iiy a narrow chain of islands lying immediately off Vancouver Island on the west, and is about twelve Tniles in width. On its eastern shore, twelve miles to the northward, is Semiahmoo, or Houiulary Hay ; on the sea- coast of which the 49th jjarallel first enters the waters of the gulf, and, continuing west, i)ass<"-- through the tongue of land known as the I'oint Roberts, of VaiicMuiver, leaving something more than a mile and a half of this point, by the Oregon treaty of 1840, in tlie possession of the I iiited States. In that portion of Semiahmoo Bay which lies south of the parallel tliere is a small b\it good aiicimrage. known as Drayton Harbour. In that portion which lies north of the parallel, and consefpiently behmgs to ( ireat Britain, there is no harbour; l)Ut there is, neverth(>less, good anchorage, unless with strong southerlj' gales, and this anchorage is little over half a mile from Drayton Harbour. At Point Roberts in like manner, l)oth on its eastern and western faces, there is very fair anch'irnrri. on tfie American side of the parallel ; while on the British side there is no anchorage to the eastward, ard a very indifferent one to the westward. Seven miles northward of Point Roberts is tiie entrance of Krazer River, the general direction of which is north-easterly and northerly, and lyin^ wholly in British territory ; it is navigable for large shi])s for more than twenty miles, o' as high as the position of Fort Langley ; from tlience small flat steamers have been as high as Fort Hope, a further distance of about fifty miles. There seems no doul)t, from the natural capabilities of this river, that it is the most favourable spot that could be chosen as the future cajiital of British Columbia. My personal ex])erience and knowledge of the country extends at present no farther than the entrance, which has been this year examined and surveyed by the officers of the " Plumper;" but from the concurrent testimony of those whi) are (at present engaged in the interior), the country, a few miles within the entrance, is in all res])ects suitalilc as the site of a new colony. As regards the ])robability of su))erior coal to that found on Vancouver Island being discovered on the continent, I have not had an opportunity of judging; but doubtless Mr. Bowcrman, the geologist of Major Hawkins' expedition, could attbrd valuable information on that and on many other |)oints. The facilities for entering the river, however, appear to me to bear more |iarticularly on maritime and commercial interests, ancfto come more immediately within my jjrnvince to describe ; on this point I am able to offer an o])inion with some confidence. An extensive bank or series of banks extend westward from the mouth of the river for a distance of five miles, and then trends south-eastward tintil it^ nearly joins the western side of I'oint Roberts, and northward towards Point Grey, which is the southern entrance point of Burrard Inlet; through this bank the river, by the strength of its own stream, has forced an almost straight |)assage into the Gulf of Georgia, in a direction nearly S.S.W. In the shoalest part of this channel there is twelve feet at |^w water, and from eighteen to twenty feet at high; this shoal part extends but little over a mile, and both inside and outside the depth of water is considerably greater. At the outer sand-heads of the entrance the width of the passage is more than three cables' length ; but this width contracts considerably within, and at the shoalest part is not over a cable and a naif. The south sand-head uncovers at low water, the other does not, but with a fre^h wind the sea breaks on it ; when within the sand-heads there is good anchorage in four to five fathoms. The greatest difficulty attendant on the navigation of Krazer River is to hit upon the entrance, which only shows itself at low water, or when, in consequence of gales, the sea breaks on it. It is true, there are natural leading marks which will point it out a])proximately in clear weather, but these marks are so distant and so fiwpiently obscured that they can rarely lie de])eiidcd upon, and (neii in clear weather would not always be r(>cognizcd by a stranger. The measures I would propose to be adoptefrounded on the shoals of I'Vazer Kivei-, I believe that no case nf shipwreck or loss of life or property has resulted therefrom. immediately north-westward of Krazer Kiver conmiences that scries of deep and remarkable inlets, roncerninjf which almost the only information we j)ossess is derived from the hurried and ])artial exploration of Vancouver in the last century. It docs not seem ])rolialile that any great extent of a^ricultiual land is to be found among them, thou^h doubtless their mineral treasures only requiro development. I, . It now remains to consider what may be termed the inner waters of Vancouver, which, both to the commercial and agricultural colonist, will assuredly be second in importance to no other portion of the island. The eustein side of the island then, from its south-east j)oint to the liarbnur of Nanaimo, a distiuicp nf about 70 miles, is enclosed l)y a compact barrier of smaller islands, completely shutting it in from the (julf of (ieorgia, except by two narrow channels to the eastward and one very narrow one leadiiij; into Nanaimo Harluiur, the only wide (Mitrauce into these waters being from the southward, a divergence from the Ilaro Strait. Within this space lie the fertile valleys of Saanitch and Cowitchiu, which, as well as many of the snniUer islands, appear well adapted for cultivation. The channels are admirably suited to steam navigatian or to sailing coasting vesse' for the tides, excei)t in the narrow jjasses which connnunicate with the (iulf of Georgia and Nanaimo, arc by no means strong. . The depth of water as a general rule is iucouveniently great, but the result of the survey, so far as it has been carried out, jiroves that there are numerous good and convenient anchorages; doubtless many others will be found as the work progresses. The harbour of C'owitchin and the Saanitch Inlet aie among the most important of these inner waters; the former atlbrds excellent anchorage, and a river of considerable extent runs into its head, which is navigable for boats, and may be adapted to mill power. Saanitch Inlet runs in a southerly ilirection for nearly tiftcen miles, its head reaching within five miles of the harl)()ur of l'ls(pum;dt. Neither of liicsc localities have yet been tlmroughly surveyed by ns, but doubtless the ollicers of tl)'.' Hudson ]5ay Company are well ac(puunfrd with their capabilities. Of Nanaimo, which, (ni account of its coal mines, is already one of the nu)st important harbours on the island, it seems necessaiy to oiler a few remarks. It is a well sheltered ])ort, having a good entrance frcmi ihe tJulf of (ieorgia, and another from the south l)y the inner waters before described. This lafter is very narrow, though with a good dejitli nf water, and a very ra|)id tide runs through it. It is generally used by small steamers, and there is nn nwson why it may not bo taken advantage of l)y vessels of any size, having sullieient steam power, wlien surveyed. The saving of the distance from K.-(|uimalt to Nanaimo by the inner channels is twenty miles, the whole distance being about sixty-six niiles. Hy the llaro Strait and (iulf of CJeorgia it is about eigiity- si\ miles. The harbour of Nanaimo, though a good one, lias some liaiiks which sliouKl be buoyed to render it safe lor a stranger to enter (some temporary iieacons are already erected by the Hudson liay ('oin|)any). A good pier has lately been built, alongside of wliiili vessels may lie and coal with great facility. As nuicli as 150 terns has been taken I)y one vessel in ;■.' day, and several vessels together might take in the same (piantity. Several thousand tons are leaily for shipjiing, and the miners easily keei) that (piantity on hand. As regards the (pudity of the coal, it more resembles the Newcastle than any other, and is but little inferior to the average of that description ; it answers very well for steam purposes, but ])iodu(es a dense smoke, anil the tulies of the boilers re(|uiie sweeping more freipiently than with any other coal I am acquainted with. There are some good streams at and near Nanaimo well adapted to mill power, and there are other good harbours in the vicinity, close to coal beds, but whicli have not yet been surveyed. Of the several inlets and sounds which indent the western coast of the island hut little is yet known. Since the time of Vancouver they liaxe been rarely visited cxcei)t by sealers and small vessels, wiio trade with the natives for oil and lisli. The knowledge which these nu'ii have gained I have rarely found them willing to communicate; they possibly make a gooil harvest, and are unwilling that tiieir jireserves should be more frequently disturlied. Many years since I visited Nootkii Sound, which probaiily may be taken as a tyjie of the others. Their general characteristic, dee|) and narrow channels, studded with islands and thickly timbered; spais of large size procurable, and i>robably those of a superior kind will be found at the head of these arms, which in some instances reach midway to the eastern coast of the island. It is more tiiaii probable that when the tide of emigration shall set in the direction of \'aiicouver Island, these inlets will become of great iu portance, particularly tliat of Xitinat or Barclay Sound on the S.W. coast, close to tiie entrance of Kuca Strait, and the bead of whose waters has been reached in little more than a day's journey on foot, from the coast a few miles north of Nanaimo Harbour on the east coast. Mr. Horn, a gentleman of the Hudson Hay Company who made, this journey, informs me that he crossed a very extensive lake in the centre of the island, and that much good and ojien land exists in its neighbourhood entirely free from the dense forests wliicli fringe the whole sea-coast of the island. It is also certain that valuable lisheries might be established iu these deep sounds, and great (puuitities of good oil exported; and it more than probable, nay, almost certain, that seams of coal will be discovered, ^ Gi'.ORor. HKxnv Richards, Captain H.M.S. " Plumper,'" Vancouver Island Survey. A CoPYofDES (No. 7.) Sir, 1. Ih 14th of Angus of the disposal 2. In order veyor Pember arrangements ' for the sale of with transmitt on one or two S. Mr. Pcm Crown lands abandoned, on reasons eqiiali] and relief it gi may be extend ceeding iifty ai the title deeds 4. We prop fixed price of ] I think howevi purely agricult early settlemei consideration. 5. I propose unproductive i narrow belt of Fraser's River, 6. A series i public, and we established, an 7. Witli tfi report. 8. I beg alsi said Despatch, public lands ; its application accounts will market. (). I shall al foreigners, am favours shown will be taken l committed to The Right &c. Sin, I AM bor arrangements fc of lands in Brit In Vancouvei suburban. n. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 17 No. 8. Copy of DESPATCH from (lovcinor Douoi.as to tlic Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bait. (No. 7.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, Octobrr '27, 18.58. (l{, p. 78.) 1. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. J)/ of tho 14th of August, and I ha.sten to attend to your requisition for information on the .subjecL ofthe disposal of land in Briti.sh Columbia to companies or private individuals. 2. In order to meet your instructions more fully on that subject, I directed Mr. Sur- veyor Pemberton to draw up a report describing in a general niannur tin; existiiii,' arrangements for the sale of land on Vancouver's Island, and the proposed arrangenuMits ibr the sale of land in British Columbia. That report 1 have now the honour of here- with transmitting to you. It embodies my own views on the subject of land sales, except OD one or two points. S. Mr. Pemberton, for instance, suggests that the system of receiving payment for Crown lands by four annual instalments, instead of immediate ));iyineiit, should bo abandoned, on account of the trouble and difticnity of collecting the instalments ; but reasons equally cogent may be urged in support of the existing system, such iis the bencHt and relief it gives to poor setdeis, and I am therefore of opinion tli.it the same system may be extended with advantage to British Columbia in all sales of couiitiy lamls ex- ceeding lifty acres, but not in sales of town lands, which are always paid for on receiving the title deeds. 4. We propose to sell country land in Eraser's River and other mining districts at the fixed price of 1/. per statute acre, and town land according to the public value of the site, I think however it might be advisable to adopt a losver selling price than 1/. per acre, in purely agricultural districts, where no minerals are found, for tiie purpose of encouraging early settlement. That, however, is an arrangement which may be reserved for furtlier consideration. 5. I propose for the present to reserve all mineral lands, which arc generally speaking unproductive under cultivation, for the purposes of revenue, such as a great part ofthe narrow belt of table-land, extending from the river to the mountains on the banks of Eraser's River, between Forts Hope and Yale. 6. A series of meteorological observations would no doubt be highly interesting to the public, and we propose to have them taken at the surveying offices as soon as they are established, and we are supplied with the proper instruments. 7. With tTiese few observations I will close my remarks on Mr. I'emberton's report. 8. I beg also to assure you that we shall attend to the instructions contained in your said Despatch, concerning the disposal of land ; preventing persons from squatting on tin; public lands ; keeping separate accounts of all revenue derived from the sale of land, ami its application at present to the purposes of survey and communication, and the necessary accounts will be furnished from time to time after the ])ublic lands are brought into the market. 9. 1 shall also not fail to give effect to your views in regard to the naturalization of foreigners, and you may rest assured that there will be no just cause of com|)laint for favours shown to the servants of the Hudson's Bay Company ; and that every precaution will be taken to repress peculation and land-jobbing, and to protect the public interesls committed to my care. I have, &c. ( Signed ) .) A M !• S DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. G(>veriior. ORtTl.tll Cull MIIIA. Nu, a. • S.V Pago I'art I. l!nclole» lire ('oii(luclc-(l. I'liynii'nt liy iriDtuliiiciit/i. Uiiilit t() pri'- I'liipl Mineral lunds. Ruads. 2nJ. Driiisli f'oliimltia Country lands. Miuerul lands. Town lots ftnd Kuhiirhan lands. An upset price. Tri^ononielri- eal surveys. l!e<'t.in)tular surveyor. AsaistanLs. Hffiees. ^letenroloi;ieal oliservaliuiis. Colonization (,'ireulars. Ctmntry IninU liiivc tn'cii sulil at 1/. por iicic, in lots from '.'(• acn'H ii|iwar(l8, to Huit the mpani of imiiliiisfix. To ('iironiiif(c scttlfinoiit, |iayiiii'nt in four annual iiiHta\ini>i)tH has Ixu-ii rccuivi'd, an,| j lilH>ial allowaiH't iiiatic tor rock ami swainii. The iiiiniiiiiim si/u lor xt'ctionit sold now is Idii ai-ros, owiiiff to (lillii'iiltii's in ^fivinv' ucci^hs to smaller (liiaiititifs, ami to liinilcr s|it'i'iilators I'loin imrchasinj; scli'ctcd spots with a view to prijviMit the hale of siirroiiiidiiig lamls lor thflir own hciiflit. It wan also foiiml necessary to discontiiiiie allowances for rock and swatnp, in the sal)! of small tract)* of land. Until litely, the surveys easily kept pai'c with the piirchanes ; if anyl)ody retpiircd u particular ]iie(i> of laud, he jiaid for it, the lines were marked out, and he was at once put in possession. The instalment system is still in force, hut whethei it is desirahle to continue it here, or to extend it lo Hritifli Columbia is at least ((ueHtionahlo; it has heeii of the utmost benefit to poor settlers, but on the other hand it increases the amount of olllce work, anil when settlers decline, or are unable to puv up an instalment, it is fountl practically imimssiblo to collect it. Knr the reason last named, 1 I'huiilll sutrffcst the abandonment altogether of the instalment system, lowering, if necessary, the price of land. In this olHce I have endeavoured to act on the pririeiple, that no i)re-emptJon claim t« land can exist which caiuiot Im; traced to the cash l)ook. If a district has been surveyed, an apjdicant for lami within that ilistrict is simjily tolil that such and such sections are sold anil such not, and the cash book is referred to if necessary. If a district has not been surveyecl, an ap|)licant for land within tiiat district .states the quantity of land he requires, and najs the instalment. On the receipt, a rotation lumiher is marked. When the surveys are complete, tlie date of payment decides the order of choicf. The books are open to inspectiim. In lands where coal was supposed to exist, Nanaimo for instance, the usual deduction from the purchiuse money on accoiuit of rock and swamp was not made, but the full price of 1/. per acre wiu reiiuired. In sections of lamls to be sold, we make reserves for main lines of roads only where it is certain cmimuinicaticm is required. It is imjiossible at first to say with certainty in what places po]mlati(>n will concentrate. After providing for main liiu's of road, I am of ojiinion that it should be understnod, that when a district is settled, the people in it should appoint some one or two qualilied persons to lay out the roads reipiired in that district; or '♦' the residents cannot agree, let the Legislature, when tiic question becomes pressing, empower some uiio to arrange the branch roads for them. Until a district is for the most part sold, no serious inconvenience from want of roads is I'elt, as access is had through iiusohl lands. In British Columbia it is proposed to use the 49th parallel as a base to build a series or network of square miles iijion ; every line to run true N. and S. or E. and W. Kacli square mile to be suixlivided into eight sections containing eighty acres each, or into six sections c(nitaining Iti? acres nearly each; the latter wouhl, perhaps, be ])refeiable. In this system, didcre|)aiicies arising from convergence of meridians would be accounted for iiy selling each section fur what it might actuaily contain. To reserve, for the sake of re\enue, lauds on which minerals are known to exist. They are generally worthless for ]»urposes of cultivation. When town sites are decided on, to lay out town and suburban lots, and to sell them uncunditioiially, but in such quantities only as would discourage mere speculative purchasers. In all lands to be sold, to name an U|)set price ; and decide. I would recommend omitting trigonometrical surveying at lirsf, on account of the (lelay in bringiii): lauds into market and allotting to purcha.sers, who inny be expected to arrive in great numbers, and who will tie put to much expense iind inconvenience if not put in immediate possession of land. 'J'lie square-mile system has the advantage of surveying and allotting in the-one operation; when a country is trigonometrically surveyed, it has still to be allotted. Kxce])tiug the gentlemen attached to the Boundary Commission, there is a decided scarcity of men in this country sulliciently acquainted with jiractical astronomy, to carry this great work out, a? well as of the jiroper instruments. If civil assistants are sent from England, some ({ualified jierson should examine strictly into their qualilications, and not be satisfied with mere credentials. Each surveyor should come provided with all the instruments he requires, to commence the fieldwork described,-- tlrawing instruments as well. It is jiroposed to establish district land offices at Langley, Hope, and Yale, and to place an assistant in charge of each. Metereological observations of a simple kind mi ;ht be taken at those offices without occasioning loss of time; if so, a few rain-gauges, weathercocks, thermometers, and barometers would be required. Wiien ])reliniinary arrangements are decided on, an edition of colonization circulars, similar to those issued at the Loudon Emigration Office, for the purpose of giving information to persons desiring to emigrate, and to save time now occupied with explanations, and cheap maps to be sold at cost and charges, would be very serviceable. The foregoing remarks are, I think, in accordance with the instructions I have from time to time received from your Excellency. I have, kc. Mis Excellency J. Douglas, Esq. (Signed) ,Iosi;pii 1). l'i'..\nii.iiro\. Governor, iVc. Acting Colonial Surveyor. mpetition t»xists, to let the price oH'e.cil Copy of DES (No. 9.) Sir, L I HA establisliing ;i i. Tlic Col coast, strctcliin coast to tlic liii g. Tliat cif CoUimbiu for t enter witii curf 4. One seap at the entrance oil tlie coast ot 5. Tliere is of Fraser's Riv parallel of lati (i. Extensivi and reaching liiit tlierc is no 7. The .shii passage throu{ 18 feet. 8. Beyond t Tlie banks for and there is a by creeks and 9. That lov elevated and c 10. That is advantage, am lofty banks on wind, or ascen n. The " ] e.stablislied soi the river havii the name ; w delays conscqi Point Robert? River, to ent River. 12. The ac of Fraser's Ri be found usef 13. 1 woul Vancouver's accessible hai to sea-going ' other inland despatch. 1 Island, who ; Esquimau or Her Majesty PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 10 No. U. Copv of DESPATCH from (iovernor 1)ouoi-ah to the Right Hon. Sir E. H. Lytton, » Bart. ItltlTlKll ('■ll.l MUU .Nu.9. (No. 9.) Victoria, Vancouver's Islaml, Novi-niljcr 3, IS.jS. Sir, (Ucciiv.il .Iiiniiiiiy l.'i. |h.")<).) 1. I HAVE the honour of submitting tlu- following remarks on the suhjoct of establishing a seaport town for the Colony of British Cohnnbiu. '2. The Colony of British Columbia possesses an extent of about MtO miles of sea- coast, stretciiing from the point where the HUh parallel of latitude tii>t strikes the sea- coast to the line of the Russian possessions in Portland Canal. 3. That circumstance obviously suggests the necessity of establishing in British Columbia for the convenience of trade more than one seaport town, where vessels may enter with cargoes of foreign goods. 4. One seaport town, and that of the greatest present importance should be established it the entrance of Eraser's River, and another in some convenient and accessible harbour, on the coast of British Columbia, north of Vancouver's Island. 5. There is unfortunately no convenient harbour for shipping at or in the near vicinity of Eraser's River, that is to say, between the boundary of the United States in the ILIth parallel of latitude to Point («rey, at the entrance of Biurard Canal. (i. Extensive sand banks, swcej)ing five miles from the land int() tiie (Jidf of (ieorgia, anil reaching from Point Roberts to Point (Jrey, form an open unsheltered ancliorat^e, imt there is no harbour on that section of the coast. 7. The ship channel into Eraser's River winds in a somewhat tortuous ami narrow passage through those sands, and has a dcptli of water .sullicienl for vessels ilrawing 18 feet. 8. Beyond the sands the river increases in depth and the current in lc)rce and velocity. The banks for the first ten miles are low, being only a few feet above the water level, and there is a wide extent of wet marshy country on both banks of tiie river, intersected by creeks and covered with sedge, willows, and coarse grass. 9. That low, wet district passed, the country presents x new aspect, being more elevated and covered with pines and other forest trees. 10. That is the point where the seaport town can be established to the greatest advantage, and for this reason, that it is accessible to .sailing vessels, which, owing to the lofty banks on botli sides of the river, beyond that point, can rarely depend upon a lair wind, or ascend further without using the warp, or by the help of steam. n. The " Port of Entry" for all ships entering Eraser's River for trade should l)e established somewhere about that jjoint known as H. B. C. Tree, the first explorers of the river having marked a tree with those letters, and the point has ever since retained the name ; while, for the convenience of general trade, and to prevent the risks and delays consequent on entering the river, a custom-house officer might be stationed at Point Roberts, or at some more convenient point on the sea-coast, outside of Eia-.er's River, to enter ships bound to other ports in the Gulf of Georgia, north of Eraser's River, 12. The accompanying chart,* showing the character of the country, near the mouth of Eraser's River, and the point where it is here proposed to place the seaport town, will be found useful for reference. 13. I would propose another plan, which is however open to adoption only should Vancouver's Island be incorporated with British Columbia ; and this is, that the sate and accessible harbour of Esquimalt, Vancouver's Island, should be made the port of entry to sea-going vessels for both Colonies, leaving the navigation of tlie Gulf ot CJeorgia and other inland waters for a class of steam vessels calculated to i\o the work with safety and despatch. This latter plan is very popular with the property holders of N'ancouver's Island, who are generally desirous of having the seaport town of British Columbia at Esquimalt or Victoria, where it now is; but if that plan siioukl ajjpear objectionable to Her Majesty's Government, then there will remain the alternative of selecting the point C2 Tlii^ Chilli ill iK'Toiirwi :it .■iM.lr,|-l|,i, ilpl'l'. ;-,( 00 I'AI'KRS lUiLATJNG TO HRITISll COLUMBIA. TlniTiKii hrf'nrc lton, Bart. &c. &C. »iC. (Signed) JAAfliS DOUGLAS, Governor. n( h ve rt I shall laininp mm' eitabli!>hmcnt sable outlay, source of re will, before n country with The Riglit &c. No. 1". f I'lirt I CO. 11 Aug. iBsa. Ad. in Aug. \BA». CO. an Aug, 183(1. No. 11. * Sic pago I'art 1. No. 10. Coi'v of tt DKSl'ATCIl Iroiu Governor DouoLASto the Right Hon. Sir E. B. LmoN, Bart. Sill, (No. IQ.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 3, 1858. (Iti'ci'ivi'd .liiiiiiiiiy ['}, |H.>>I.) I iiAVF, the honour to acknowlcilgc receipt of your Despatch, No. !>,* of the 'Znil September IS.OH, forwarding to ine copies of a correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Board of Admiralty, of the dates as per margin, on the subject of affording naval assistance to British Columbia. '2, I glean from this corrcspoiulcncc the just appreciation you hav) formed of the ini])ortance of the service referred to ; and I feel truly grateful for the great interest Her Majesty's Governineiit have taken in the protection and advancement of British Columbia, as is evidenced by the luituic oi'tlie instructions which this correspondence has caused to be given to the Conimandei -in-Chief of Her Majesty's naval forces in the Pacific I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lyttoii, Ban. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. No. 11. Corv of .a DESl'A TCH IVoni Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. I^YiroN, Bart. (No. 11.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 4, 18,38. Sill, (Uoooivc.l.Jiimimy !.j, l.So9.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 8,* of tlic 2nd September last, referring to your Despatch No. G, in which it is mentioned that the detachment of Royal Engineers which Her Majesty's Government have taken measures to send lo British Columbia would be maintained at the imperial cost for only a limited jjeriod, and that the Colony would afterwards have to defray the expense thereof; but that the more recent intelligence received since the date of your Despatch No. 6, of the prospect of raising a large and early revenue in the Colony, had caused an altcation in your views, with respect to the first charge for the engineer party ; and that Her Majesty's Government now expect that British Columbia shall be self-supporting, and that the first charge upon the land sales must be that of defraying all the expenses which the engineer party shall occasion, and directing me to make suitable provision to reimburse the British Treasury for any expenditure incurred on this account, as soon as the circumstances of the Colony permit. Corv of DE'' (No. la Sill) I IIAV 2iul Septemb meiit and the sending a det British Colur and to the o transmitting i reference to regimental p coinmissionec I further o this detachnK way of Panai '2. I have that in your every difficnl 3. Colonel Works will n period of his much to the The revel expenses oft Lords Comrr vale's letter meet that ex The Righ &c PAPERS RKLATINd TO lUUTISIl COLUMBIA. fl tlic land is ; ii|ioii the T.AS, lovernor. B. LvnoN, 3, 1858. of the 2nd otiial Office rding naval mcil of the itcri'st Her \ Coldinbia, s caiiiscd to :iH(. iLAS, iovcrnor. 3. Ly'J'ton, ■1, 1858. .8,* of the 2(\ that tlic n measures y a limited ereof; l)i)t ). G, of the Itcation in r Majesty's lat the first le engineer nbur.se the :umstaiices C. I ithall not full to attend most caveAilly to those imtructions without, however, enter- taining miK'li hope of beinji; iinniediately able to meet the cxpeniie of the military titabhuhmentM of the country, or of roads, Murveys, public buildin^M, and other indispen- jable outlay, which mu^t be incuiri d before the country can possilily ixcouie a fruitful joiirce of revenue ; like a lunseiin;!:, it nuist tiir a time be (eil and cluiliiil ; yet I trust it will, before many years, re-i:ubur»e the outlay, and repay the kind caie of the mother country with interest. I have, fic. The Iliglit Hon. Sir K. H. Lytton, Uarl. (Signed) JA.MKS DOU(iLAS, &c. &c. &c. Ciuvenior. HniTiiiit CiiLi unu. No. ly. Coi'Y of DKSl ATCIl from (iovernor Doltoi.as to the Iliglit Hon. Sir K. H. Lytton, 13art. (No. 15.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November !•, 1858. Snt, (Kccciviil .Iimimi)' 1.",, is.i!*.) I iiAVK the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 7t "' fhe ','iul September last transmitting copies of a correspondence between the Colonial l)e|)art- ment and the War OIHce, on the subject of the mea-ures which had then been taken fi)r sending a detachment of the lioyal Kngineers unrjer the couunand of a Field Officer to British Columbia, and stating that Colonel Moody had been appointed to the command and to the office of Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works in IJritish Colund)ia, and transmitting a copy of the instructions which had been addressed to that odicer, with reference to the discharge of his duties in that capacity, and specifying tlie amoiuit of regimental pay and colonial allowances to which lie and the commissioned and luju- coinmissioned ofKcers of the detachment are entitled. I furtiier observe the arrangements made for tiio conveyance of tiie larger portion of this detachment by Cape Horn, and for the despatch of iiO men atul an ollicer by the way of Panama. '2. I have no remark to make in reference to those arrangements, excej)t to observe that in your instructions to Colonel .Moody, and correspondence with the War OIHce, every difficidty appears to have been foreseen and provided for. y. Colonel Moody's appointment to the ollicc of Cliief Commissioner of Lands and Works will relieve me of much responsibility, and I look forwanl wilii satisfaction to the period of his arrival and the commencement of tiiose useful labours which will tend so much to the advantage and development of the new Colony. The revenues of the country will not be immediately capable of defraying the expenses of this detachment, and I shall be under the necessity of drawing upon the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, according to the implied authority in Mr. Mcri- vale's letter of instructions of Colonel Moody, until the new Colony is in a position to meet that expenditure. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) .I.AMKS DOlKiLAS, &c. &c. ike. Ciovcrnor. No. It. t Sit pafie A J, I'lirt I. C .3 i n PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. No. 13. * Her page 56, r«ft I. British OOLUMBIA. Coi'Y of DESPATCH from Goveriii/i- Douolas to tlie Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton No. 13. Bart. (No. 16.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 5, 18,58. Sir, (Received Jiinuary is, 18.59.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge tlie receipt of your Despatch, No. 9,* of the 2nd September, and liave to thank you for transmitting a copy of u correspondence between the Treasury and the Colonial Office, on the subject of the postal arrangements between England and British Columbia, a subject dee|)iy interesting to every person '^onnected with this country. 2. I observe by that correspondence that it was proposed to extend the present mail service by the way of F i'^'x and Nassau to Colon at a probable expense of 25,000/. per annum, apparently witi. .ne v'^w of facilitating postal communication between Van- couver's Island and Canada, already accomplished via New York. ^. From Panama to Victoria Her Majesty's Government would be inclined to establish a line of British Postal Steamers, but for the great expense, say 100,000/. For the present, therefore, it is proposed to enter into arrangements with the Post- master of the United States, for the carrying of mails from Panama to San Francisco, and to invite tenders for their conveyance thence to this place, not being aware probably that the mails are already conveyed to Pugets Sound and this place by tiie United States Mail Steamers. It is also proposed to request the Postmaster of the United States to reconsider the time of departure of the United States mail .steamers from Panama, so as to suit the Royal Mail Company's steamers. 4. By existing arrangements we receive our mails once a fortnight, and have not much reason to comjilain. From England to Colon two routes are open, viz., via New York and by the Royal Mail line. The former is the more certain of the two for letters, and the one generally adopted by business men, as it connects with the line between Panama and San Francisco. 'I"he last named could hardly alter their periods of departure without confusion on tlie Atlantic side, li' Her Majesty's Government carry out their views, and establish a line from Nassau, we should thus have three lines arriving at Colon. As there will probably be a weekly line soon from Panama northwards, there would appear to be little gain by interfering with present arrangements between San Francisco and New York, Canailu and England. 5. A detention of sometimes a week occurs at San Francisco, not necessarily, but from want of arrangement on the part of the American authorities. The steamer conveying the mail northward frequently calls at the Columbia River, where she is liable to ('•.tf.ntion, and also frequently does not deliver our mail till her return voyage from Oly.Mpia, at the head of Puget Sound, occasioning a loss of two days, and giving us no time to reply to letters received by the same mail. (i. The only detention and irregularity therefore which we would wish to see remedied lie between San Francisco and this jjlace, and this could easily be effected by an arrai^^e- ment with the Pacific Mail Company, or perhaps by the preferable mode of invitui" tenders for the service. 7. It would b -ulvisable to stipulate, in any such arrangement, that the steamer leave San Francisco fur Victoria direct within twelve hours aft^r departure of the Atlantic mail at San Francisco, and leave Victoria on her return trip to San Francisco, in time to overtake the next succeeding mail. The voyage either way ought to be performed in about four days, thus allowing six days to reply to letters from Europe. S. When the resoinces of the Colony are more fully developed, a line of British postal steamers from Panama to Victoria would be the most .satisfactory and advantageous to British interests in this part of the world. This line might touch at San Francisco and ports in Mexico, from whence treasure is largely exported, in all of which tliere are large British interests, and between which there is a large passenger traPic. 1). Trusting that these remarks may not be found irrelevant, 1 iiave, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lylton, Bart. (Signed) .lAMES DOUGL.AS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. No. 14. «3 nmrisB Cdl.I MBU. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Riglit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, j^|^ Bart. (No. 17-) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November o, 1858. SiB) (Rccoivt'd .laiiuiiiy lo, 18.^9.) I iiAvi: thelionourto acknowledge tlie receipt of your Despatcli, Xo. 1^,* of the 2nd of September last, transmitting to me a copy of a letter tiom the Aborigines Pro- tection Society, invoking the protection of Her Majesty's Government on behalf of those peo|)le. 2. While you do not wish to be understood as adopting tiie views of the society as to the means by which that may be best accomplished, you express a wish that the subject should have my prompt and careful consideration, and I shall not fail to give the fullest effect to your instructions on that head, as soon as the present pressure of business has fomcwhat abated. I may, however, remark that the native Indian tribes are protected in all their interests to the utmost extent of our present means. I have, &c. The Right K i. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. I'lirt 1. Its, 1^ No. 15. No. 15. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lttton, Bart. (No. 'il.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November (>, I85S. Sir, (HfcciviMlJaiuiary 15. 18.)9.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch of the 2nd Sep- t s.c pajtc cs, tember 1858, No. 17,t transmitting for my information copy of correspondence between ''•"'' the Colonial Office and the Foreign Office of the dales as per margin, touching certain Jn^-V"'"'"'^ queries addressed to Her Majesty's Minister, at Washington, by the Secretary to the c.o.ii-. Aug. Pacific Mail Steam Packet Company. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) .lAMES DOUCJLAS, &c. &c. &.'. Governor. ItljS. Ii'o. IG. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 22.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November G, 1858. Sir, (Rfcuivfj .Januiiry 1.5, I8o8.) J HAVE duly received your Despatch, No. 13,% of the 2nd September last, acquainting me that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel propose to send one or two Missionary Chaplains to British Columbia with as little delay as possible. 2. I am glad to learn that such is the intention of this Society, and I siiall be most, happy to render every assistance in my power to the clergymen when they arrive. Thev will find there is an extensive field oj)en to midsionary enterprise, as well amongst tlie white population as amongst the native Indian tribes. ■i. The recent immigration into the British Possessions in these parts has consisted mainly of foreigners, and bearing this in mind, with the local position of the territory, and the influence that may be exercised by the ministers of religion over a people, it appears to me very desirable that there should be but little opening for the introduction C4 No. IG. I'iiil I. ■ jiaLM' (iU, 94 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. \ DltlTISH COI.UMIUA. No. 17. * Sop page .11, I'ail I. No. 18. t St'e pfl(ri> CO, J'art I. of any foreign clergy ; and for tliese reasons alone, merely as a matter of policy, and without entering into higher considerations, I esteem it of some importance that every encouragement should be given to promote the emigration to this country of English clergymen. I have, &c. The Riglit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. No. 17. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Sir, (No. S3.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November G, 1858. (Kcci'ivcd .Inmmiy lo, 1H.)9.) In acknowledging receipt of your Despatch of the '2nd September 18.58, No. S,* transmitting to me the Queen's Revocation of the Crown Grant of the .'30th May 1838, to the Hudson's Bay Company, in so far as relates to the territories comprised within the Colony of British Columbia, 1 beg to acquaint you that the necessary Proclamation upon this subject will be made in the course of a few days. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, Sec. &c. &c. Governor. No. 18. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Doi glas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lvtton-, Bart. Sill, (No. 25.) Victoria, Vancouver?s Island, November 8, 185S. (Ui'ocivcd .liimiury Ij, 18.j9.) In reply to your Despatch, Xo. 14,f of the 2nd of September, transmitting copy of a letter which you addressed to Colonel Moody, on tiie subject of granting land, on certain conditions, to the non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Engineers, wjio are to be empi yed in British Columbia, and instructing me to report to you my opinion whether it would be desirable to grant remissions on tiie purchase of land to retired officers of the army and navy, as was formerly the custom in many of the British Colonics, I have the honour to state, tiiat without having had opportunities of acquiring information on the subject of your Despatch, I am strongly biassed in faVour of extending the system of locating retired officers of the army and navy in British Columbia, and of making giants to the men of the Royal Engineers of small portions of agricultural landj on condition of residence and military service in the Colony, if called upon. 2. I think it especi"";' desirable to introduce the remission system into British Columbia, for the purpose of adding a respectable British element to the population, and tiiereby infusing and encouraging sentiments of attaciiment and loyalty to the Crown. I think the advantages greatly outweigh any inconvenience that may in future arise to the Colony from the introduction of the system, seeing, as suggested in your Despatch, that the privilege of granting remissions on the purchase of land to retired officers might for a time be secured to military settlers, even should the Crown lands be hereafter made over to the Colony. 3. I now submit a list of the ofT-'ors for civil situations immediately required in the new Colony, feeling assured, however, tiiat circumstances will soon render it necessary n allow a complete Civil Staff'. 4. Mr. Begbie will, as you have so kindly arranged, lend his general aid for the com- jiilation of the necessary laws and other legal business, properly coming within tiie range of duties discharged by the Attorney-General, but as he cannot engage in conducting suits on the pai Crown is imme The pay of tho Colony. A gentleman comfort than ai 5. As the Ai tilled by gentle disposed to ac( have to find he G. The pay c appointments, that official. 7. I will tak^ occur. 8. The want and the journe; nient of law an the affairs of embody almost to the value anc I will, howev The Right I &c. Coi'Y of DESP (Xo. 26.) Sir, I HAVK 1st September Engineers, who San Francisco, 2. I have, ac^ Parsons and the ill my power to' temporary accoi posts, I will tak The Right U &c. Copy of DESP , (No. 27.) sill, 1. I 11 A' the 2nd Septenr British Coiuml attention. IL PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Q5 suits on the part of the Crown, it is obvious that tiie appointment of a law officer for the Crown is immediately required. I would thus suggest the following appointments : — An Attorney-(iencraI, A Colonial Secretary. A Colonial Treasurer. A Colonial Accountant. The pay of those officers must necessarily be regulated by tlie expense of living in the Colony. A gentleman may live in England on an income of 1,00()/. a year with far more comfort than an income of 1,800/. would command in this country. 5. As the Attorney-Cieneral and Colonial Secretary will hold offices which should be tilled by gentlemen of the best education and ability, I think that such men may not be disposed to accept of a less valuable appointment, and perhaps the Treasurer, who will have to find heavy securities, may be included in the same category. C. The pay of the Acctjuiitant may be regulated by the pay allowed to the higher appointments, and probably about 700/. a year may be considered a fair compensation for that official. 7. I will take the liberty of addressing you further on the wants of the Colony ;is they occur. S. The want of efficient assistance, the multiplicity of the duties devolving on me, ;iiid the journeys I have been compelled to make into the gold regions for the enforce- ment of law and order, must j)lead my excuse for not addressing you more frequently on the affairs of the colony ; though the reports of my two journeys to Eraser's River embody almost the whole amount of reliable information that can yet be given in respect to the value and extent of the gold fields. I will, however, hereafter ])reparc a brief rcj)ort on that subject by every mail. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir K. B. Lyttou, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. British Columbia. .■• No. 19. Corv of DESI'AT(.'H from Governor Doutii.As to the Right Hon. Sir K. 15. Lvi ro\, BarN (No. !26.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 8, 1858. Sir, (Received Jan. 15, IS.ii).) I HAVK the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st September last, marked " Separate,"* introducing Captain Parsons, of the Royal Engineers, who arrived here on the ^-'9th ultimo, by the mail steamer " Panama," from San Francisco, with the detachment under his command in perfect heaitli. '2. I have, according to your instiuctions, provideil house acconunodation for Ca))tain Parsons and the detacimient at this place, and I will afford iiiin every possible assistance in my power towards providing for the arrival of Colonel Moody; and furtlier, should temporary accommodation for the party be required at any of the lluilson's Bay trailing posts, I will take care that such accommodation be aflbrded. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. i-.ytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. &c. N). 19. • Vide page SO, Tart 1. No. '20. No. 20. Copy of DESPATCH liom Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lyttcx, Bart. (No. 27.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, Novembers, 18,08. Sir, (Heceivcd .run. lo, lHo9.) 1. I HAVK the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your Despatch, No. l(i,f of t See page ei, the '2nd September last, explanatory of the legal position which I now fill in the colony of ^'"''' British Columbia, and the nature of the forms and duties demanding my immediate attention. IL D 26 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. BBiTisn COICMBIA. t: i ■ Ko. 21. No. 22. 2. The instructions contained in your Desnatcii in reference to the discharge of those duties will receive early attention, and with that view I purpose to proceed in a few days hence to British Columbia, to make formal proclamation of the Act of Parliament undur which tlic colony is to be governed. I feel exceedingly obliged to you for your kindness in explaining the necessity and consequences of that formal proclamation of the Act and of the proclamation of indemnity which I shall afterwards issue, in protcctinff myself and my subordinate officers from legal proceedings. 3. I shall also not fail to attend to your further instructions respecting the establi.shment of courts of justice ; defining miners' rights by positive regulations, instead of allowiii" them to grow up by mere custom or accident; and the establishment of a police force- wiiich as you will observe by my previous communications have been, to some extent already executed, but will be more perfectly carried into etiect upon the arrival of Mr, Begbic, an event which I anticipate with satisfaction, as affording a prospect of relief from the burthens now borne by the executive alone. 4. In another communication herewith, I mentioned my intentioned to proclaim the revocation of the Hudson's Bay Company's licence of trade in a few days, though practi- cally it has already ceased to exist. .5. The extensive powers which Her Majesty's Government have intrusted to me will be used discreetly and with moderation, and you may rely that everything in my power shall be done to prove that Her Majesty's Government have acted judiciously in taking such measures for the protection of the country, in circumstances unusual and of the greatest possible diflicutly. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. No, f21. Copy of a DESPATCH fiom Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 28.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 9, 18.5iS. Sir, (Ri'ccivcd January 15, 1859.) I HAVE the satisfaction of announcing, for your information, the arrival yesterday, at this place, of Captain Grant, with the detachment of Koyal Engineers under his com- mand, and also of Mr. Chartres Brew, inspector of police, by the same steamer. Judge Begbie had arrived safely at San Francisco, and is expected here by the next steamer. The detachment of Royal Engineers will be moved to British Columbia as soon as we have completed two wooden houses in frame, which will occupy two days more, foi lodging the detachment on their arrival at Fort Langley. The officers and men are in the meantime provided with comfortable quarters at this place, and are all in perfect health. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. • Sec page 'iS, Part L No. 22. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 2[).) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 9, 1858. Sir, _ (Reccived-Jiiiiuaiy 15, 1859.) I HAVE received your communication of the 2nd September last, marked "Separate,"* alluding to a report sent by Captain Richards to the Lords Commissioners of the Admralty, and suggesting the appoinment of gold commissioners with the powers of magistrates, and the establishment of a police force at the diggings. It was highly satisfactory to learn that in respect to those measures I had onlj antiic- patod your wishes and I may add that with respect to the Hudson's Bay Company, they no longer possess rights or enjoy any privilege that is not equally shared by all Her Majesty's subjects in these Colonies. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. CoFY of DE (No. 30, Sir, 1. Hi municate the 2. This r( that place ai progress is bi one canal or mining bars, progress and Those works operations w remunerative 3. There i table-lands ii supply more the country men who un 4. An ext Yale, and at Albert's Dig are now heir enough to gi 500 feet in c This bein claims were was desirous reaping a ric venient ele\ convey watc six weeks to 5. It was 1)nt the spec 6. Hill's attention to conveying \ of about 80( 7. The n water, whic at a cost of S. Very and the mil able to cai fluming anc dollars a da day, the go silver. 9. Very Portage, th compelled 10. On good minir acre garder 11. A si of Fort Ya excitement heart of th 12. Anc Strawberrj as much as PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. No. 23. 27 No. 33. Britub COLU Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 30.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 9, 1H>58. SiRj ( Hi'Oi'iviM) Jiimiiiiy l."i, IS.JO. ) 1. Having just received a report from Mr. Commissioner Hicks, I beg to com- municate the particulars of the same for your information. 2. This report refers chiefly to that ])art of the Fort Yale District, situate between that place and Cornish Bar, four miles below Fort Hope. It appears that satisfactory progress is being made in the development of the resources of that district. Twenty- one canal or " ditch companies" have been formed for conveying water to the diflcrenl mining bars. Thirteen of those works are finished and in full operation ; seven are in progress and nearly finished, and permission to form the last has just been granted. Those works are of vast utility in washing for gold, enabling the miner to carry on operaiions with more success and economy, and to work soils that would not yield a remunerative return without the aid of those labour-saving machines. 3. There are also several water companies engaged in making watercour.ses on the table-lands in the vicinity of Eraser's River, their object being to erect flumes that will supply more than 1000 mining claims with water. As it is by such undertakings that the country will be fairly prospected, every encouragement is given to the enterprising men who undertake it. 4. An extensive table-land on the right bank of Eraser's River, four miles below Fort Yale, and at '.oast sixty feet above the highest water level, which I have named, •• Prince Albert's Diggings" was lately discovered to be highly auriferous. Extensive preparations are now being made for opening mining shafts there ; and it is reported to be extensive enough to give employment to 4,000 men, allowing to each twenty-five feet frontage, and 500 feet in depth. This being the first dry diggings discovered in tiie Fort Yale District, the mining claims were laid off on a mucli larger scale than the regulation quantity, as Mr. Hicks was desirous of encouraging the miners who were looking forward with confidence to reaping a rich harvest in return for their labour. There is, however, no water at a con- venient elevation in the vicinity ; several companies have therefore been licensed to convey water from tiie neighbouring mountains, — a work which will probably take about six weeks to accomplish. 5. It was lately reported that silver was discovered near Fort Yale, in a quartz lead, "but the specimens brought here have proved valueless. G. Hill's Bar is reported to be worked out, and the miners have now turned their attention to the banks of the river, which are found to be very, rich, and they are now conveying water, at their own charge, for sluice washing from a distant source, at a cost of about 800^. 7. The miners on American and Santa Clara bars were also waiting for a supply of water, which is being conveyed by means of a canal from a lake about two miles distant, at a cost of over 1100/. 8. Very few claims can be worked to much advantage with the rocker on Cornish Har, and the miners are engaged in bringing in water for sluicing, so that they will shortly he able to carry on operations with a better prospect of success. In the operations of flaming and sluicing, where the dirt only pays a penny to the pan, a man can earn ten dollars a day, in places where with the rocker he could not save more than one dollar a day, the gold being so fine that it is almost impossible to save it without the aid of quick- silver. 9. Very little mining is carried on between Fort Yale and the upper end of Douglas Portage, the rain and cold weather, together with the high price of provisions, having compelled the miners to relinquish their occupation for the season. 10. On the table-land directly opposite to Fort Yale several shafts have been sunk, and good mining ground discovered. It was proposed to lay out that table-land in twenty acre garden lots for sale, but we shall now reserve the land for mining purposes. 11. A shaft was lately sunk for the purpose of testing the ground on which the town of Fort Yale stands, and good diggings of coarse gold were found, which caused so much excitement that the miners could hardly be restrained from opening works in the very heart of the little town, 12. Another discovery was lately made on a large extent of flat land, opposite to Strawberry Island, which appears to contain rich deposits of the precious metal, yielding as much as ninepence to the pan, at a depth of eight feet from the surface. D2 ^ s« f 28 1»A1»ERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. I i I Britihh Columbia. A licensed coni])aiiy lias inuIertakiMi to biiuj^' water to tlie flat from a distant creek, but it will take some time to coin])lete the operation. 1<'3. Mr. (Commissioner Hicks in continuation of his report proceeds as follows ; — " I Iiave given your Excellency some idea of the mininjf pros|)ects, which cannot be but most gratifying to your feelings, especially with regard to Prince Albert's Flat, above the rock named Albert Mead, at least one mile of frontage on the river, I intend to survey ofi' into claims of twenty-five feet frontage. Your Excellency will perhaps feel much surprised at the depth allowed for each claim ; the stripping of the top dirt does not pay within eight feet of the surface ; it would not pay men to go to the great expense of fetching in water so long a distance, unless more extended privileges were granted ; there- fore it was to open these mines and encourage the men that iiulticed me to comply witii their wishes : there is plenty of ground tlinl pays even up to the foot of the mountiiu, about one and a quarter mile back. I trust j'ou will confirm the action I have thus taken. •' I have very many difficulties to contend with, especially with regard to water grants; men are almost at times out of their senses, and are determined to infringe on the privi- leges granted to others. I was compelled to issue injimction notices to Messrs. Williams, Burns, and six otiiers, to restrain them fiom carrying a ditch from .Santa Clara Creek on to the bar and flat, and very much interfering with other operations in progress. 14. The mining claims are not in all cases remunerative, and there is much expense in bringing them into working condition, so that miners are frequently from actual poverty unable to pay the licence fee. For that reason in making the first collection of mining fees, in the month of September, no less than 8S1 mining claims were found in tiie ])ossession of persons in tliat condition, on whom necessarily no fees were levied. Such n>erciful consideration for the destitute opens a wide door for evasions, and complaint on the part of those who pay the tax. That consideration and the great expense of collecting a monthly fee, owing to tlie extent and inaccessibility of the country, its effects in exciting feelings of irritation ;muI dislike of the (ioveinnient, and provokuig antagonism to the public officers, naturally suggest a reduction of the licence fee, or jjerhaps its discontinnance, and the subslitniiou of soiTie other less obnoxious mode of taxation. I'robably that adopted in Australia, from the report of the C'onnnission appointed to inquire into the condition of the gold fields of Victoiia, niigiit be altereil and successfully adajited to the circumstances of British Columbia, a subject which I reserve lor fiuther ''onsideration. 15. The miners on Hill's Bjr have, I understand, lately exhibited dissatisfaction on account of their claims being limited to the river bar, and I understand they lately held a meeting to petition me on that subject, and that the petition was to be forwarded through Mr. Nugent, special agent of the United States, but the document has not yet been presented, and I presume Mr. Nugent woidd consider it bad taste to meddle with a aiatter of purely local law, and into the settlement of which no question of nationality could possibly enter. IG. A considerable public revenue may be raised from the grant of water privileges, which it is projiosed to tax to the amount of five dollars a month for each sluice or flume, and it is expected that in course of another year more than =2000 of these sluices will be in operation in the Fort Yale district. 17. Mr. Hicks gives no idea of the miners' general earnings, which it is at all times difficult to ascertain from their own statements. 18. One among other more cogent reasons for the establishment of a gold escort, is the facility it will give of ascertaining with something like accuracy the real export of gold from the country. Mr. Hicks' accounts exhibit a very trifling collection for the last month ; but it was sufbeient to meet the expenditure, and he had not made the monthly collection of mining fees. 19. Mr. Commissioner Travaillot, whose district extends from the Forks of Thomson's River to the Fountain, had time to do little more than to report his safe arrival at the Forks, where the town site of " Lytton" was laid out, and now contains fifty houses and a population of 900 persons. HO. Some trouble had arisen between the miners and Indians, which was, however, fortunately arrested, after a loss of several lives on both sides. '21. The banks of Frascr's River above the Forks are said to aflbrd good dry diggings, as far as the upper fountain and sluices yield at the rate of i.'0 dollars a day to the hand. y'2. Many of the miners are leaving the country, on account of the want and high prices of provisions, flour being now sold at the Fotks at the rate of 4a'. 2rf. jier pound, and other articles of food being equally high priced, arising from the cost of transport, and the inaccessibility of the country ; the land route between the Forks and Fort Hope and Fort Yale bein| passes, thoug.i 23. The mil qi, I herew Hawkins, U.K. in this report, a 25. I have tl by Harrison's miles below the the road about population of ' that route that of the country 10,000/., which and urgency of development of already in the c The difficult anticipated, ari^ tliiiik the work 2(i. I lierewi River route, sh anil a descripli> planation that t road, the latter having been ac Harrison's R Douglas ; froir River a distanc points being d passage of Lak vessels, is effect Lilovett to Lai is carried over having a great length connect: the terminus o 108 miles, in t 12 to 90 feet ii 27. The cot Fort Y Fort D be Thus ! pc pa 28. A great Oregon. TIk I'APEUS REr.ATING TO niUTISH COLUMBIA. 39 Fort Yale being now lenilered impassable tlnougli the (le])tli of snow in the mountain passes, thoiig.i the level conntry still cxliibits the appearance of uiiiiy autumn. 23. The mining population in Fraser's Iliver may be estimated as follows : — From Cornish Bar to Fort Yale - - - l-.OOO Fort Yale ------ l,.S()o Fort Hope - - ■ - - - .%)() From Fort Yale to Lytton - - - 3(K) Lytton - - - - - - !)(X) From Lytton lo the Fountain - - - 3,00(J - - ()()() Port Douglas and Harrison's River Total 10,()UO British Columbia. nnes 24. I herewith torward a reconnaissance of Fraser's River by Liiutenant-Colonel Hawkins, R.K., which shows the mining bars of Fort Y'ale district and places referred to in this report, as well as the general character of the country. 25, I have the satisfaction of aimouncing that the great work of the season, the route bv Harrison's River to a point on Fraser's River, beyond the mountains, about eight miles below the upper fountain, is now completed ; and a number of mule trains are upon the road about to engage in the transport of provisions and other supplies for the mining population of " Lytton," and the mining districts beyond that town. It is, in fact, to that route that we must ultimately look for a convenient communication with the interior of the country. This has been an arduous undertaking, and tiie cost will be about 10,000/., which I feel assured Her Majesty's Government, in view of the great importance and urgency of the work, for the transport of food in winter, its bearing on the futinv development of the country, and above all looking to the fact lliat the revenue collected already in the coiuitry is to liefray the whole expense, will sanction by tln'ir ;n)provai. The didiculties encountered in the process of this undertaking were more serious than anticipated, arising in a great measure irom the want of experienced conductors; but I think tiie work could not be done under any circumstances at a cheajier rate. 2fi. I herewith forward for your information a hastily prepared sketch of the Harrison's River route, showing its comiexion at both ends with Fraser's River, a table of distances anil a descriptive statement of bridges constructed on the road. I beg to remark in ex- planation that the only reliable part of this sketch is the tracing of Harrison's River and road, the latter in red ink with the connecting lakes, the compass directions anil distances having been accurately determined by the road surveyor. Harrison's River and lake are navigable for river steamers, which ])ly as far as I'ort Douglas; from that point the road is cut through the forest in the valley of Harrison's River a distance of 33^ miles to Lake Lilovett ; the water comnuuiicatioii between those points being dangerous and expensive, except at the lowest stage of the river. 'I lie passage of Lake Lilovett, 13 miles in length, and with depth of water suHlcient for large vessels, is effected by means of large sized boats constructeil for the purpose. From Lake Lilovett to Lake Anderson, a distance of 2 tjl, miles, a road, traced on the sketch in red ink, is carried over land. Lake Anderson, 15 miles, and Lake Seton, 1(5 miles in lengtii, both having a great depth of water, are traversed in large boats. A road one mile and a iialf in length connects those two lakes, and from Lake .Seton, a road lour miles in length, leails to the terminus on Fraser's River, — the whole distance from thence to Fort Douglas being 108 miles, in the course of which there arc G2 substantial wooden bridges, varying from 12 to 90 feet in length. The comparative cost of transport by this and the Fort Yale route is as follows: — Fort Yale to Lytton - - - 1 H| for each poinid weight. Fort Douglas to terminus of road 35 miles beyond Lytton - - - 9 ^ „ 27. 2] 4 I'lrt 1 Thus showing a saving in transport ex- pense by the Harrison's River as com- pared with the other route of - I 28. A great number of miners have left Fraser's Iliver and returned to Caiit'ornia, and Oregon. The course of iinmigration has ceased for the present, and will pro'uably not be D 3 m i m ' 30 PAPKRS RI'I.ATING TO HIUTISH COLUMBIA. w Hritisii rc'suiTicil till tlio spring. There is .still however a large foreign population at this place, t"(n iMiiu. iiiul liiL- town is continually on the inr- .ise. I have, &c. Tiie llight Hon. Sir K. B. Lytton, Bait. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, iVc. &e. ). Sill, Victoria, Vancouvpr's Island, October 2, ISflti. I iii;(. to submit to your Kxccliciicy the foUowinjj report of my journey tbrough a part of the Krjiser's River distrirt, <'arrie(l out aeuordiii^ to your Excellency's instructions. At 10.10 A.M. .September 1st, I left I'ort Langley, accompanied by Mr. Downie, four Canadians, and the three native guides furnished l)y your I'^xcellency, on board the steamer " Maria." We steered up the Kraser's River until 5.36, when we entered the Harrison River, in which, at its coulluence with the Kraser, there is little or no cuiTent : half a mile further up it spreads out and forms a lalfraiie«l. Cmi-MniA. The hridges constructed by the road-makern are in general too low, inoul of tliein will lie Hwcpt g««v during the next freshets. Two miles lielow the Lailovet is a smaller lake, alioiit tliree miles loim ami three-i|uarters wide ; helow that, and to its disihar(,'e info the Harrison Lake, the river is alinn-,! one continual rapid. Ahout '-'■") miles ahove Kort Dnuirlas a ca-seade about live feet hiffli occurs: about two miles above this is a hot s|)riiif.', near the trail, jjushiiip out from a tissurc in a bed of irypseas oonglouierate. HpIow the cascade are some strata of red and yellow ochre. Tho Harrison here rpoeivcs a tributary from the eastward, tlirouiih the valley ol' whicii is a trail to l'"raser's Uivcr. 'J'he mountains in the vicinity of the small lake are composed prin<'ipally of slate, travcrsetl by niimernuM Tcins of nuart/, said by the miners to be slightly ai.riferous. A miner informed me that silver had been discovered by a Mexican in this nei;;hliourhood; he did not tnov; its exact locality, anil could not inform me where the Mexican was to be found. 'Ihe eastern bank of the small lake is level, and affords irood buildin<; sites. The river between tlie lakes is rapid, but deep enoufjh to admit the passaire of laden bateaux. A fiood tow-path may be cut alonii the banks. At the terminus of the trail on the l.ailooet Lake, the mountains are steep to the water's cdjie, and afford l)arely space for turninfj a mule train. IJuildinjr is im])ossible without cxcavatiii;r tiie bill sides ; on the o])po8ite side of the lake (which is here half a mile over) is a level bottom, apparently marshy. Having hir^d a boat, we crossed the lake an{raiiite ridj^i. not very Hleep, iian to lie crossed to rearli tlii' main valley of the Stchawiiain, then o\er a Knel plj! feaii of Heveia! iiiile-i. Descending to a low liottoni, it crosses tile west hruncii of the Stcliawham, and continues aloiijf the valley of tliat stream, over a level cimntry, to within u (juarter of a mile of it« ((in. fluence with the 'i'lameeho, when it strikes off to the valley of that stream, and crosfes it alioui yoo yards ahovi- the junction of the two ri\ers; it then lollows the valley of the Tlaineeho, in j,, easterly direction, o\('r iin(hilatin>{ stony plateaux, until it rea'lic-i the ureat falls of the 'I'laiiici'lid which aie ahoiit Kio feet hinh and H miles from the Lailooet Lake. Here it crosses a hill of yciitli' ascent, hut stony, then over a level hottom, until it reaches a lowei hill, hut more riii{{{ed, (lescoiKlinij the east slope of which it eineixes into the (h'Itu of the l.ailooet hefoie mentioned. Many jiarts nf this delta (whicl: is at this place ahout oue mile across) are swani|iy, and would prohalily re(iiiiro hridjfiiif;. Several hraiiches of the numerous streams would also he unfavoiirahle duriuj; the fresliots, f)n the east side of the delta is the trail already opened to Anderson's I^ake. 'I'he snow lays on iho hi;(her parts of the \ alley to the Sko-whomish ahout three months during the winter, and is in some places very deep, with a liard crust. 'I'he tiVil from Lailooet to .larvis Canal hranelies off from that to Howes Sound, at the upper end of the Sk(d-ucks, crossing' the dividiiij.' hills hetwcen the Sko-whoinish and Siakamish valleys; it then n.scends the Sko-whomish valley, one day's march, say 1.5 miles, and crossing the sjuir of a inoiintaiii strikes the She-shale Kiver, which discharges into the Jarvis Canal; there is also a road to Anderson'n Lake, hy the l.ailooet, from the TIahaos JUver; a consiilerahle stream which discharges into the head of Uesolatiini Sound. The 'I'lahoas, Sko-whmnish, She-slialt, l.ailooet, and another larjjp stream, which (Iiselmi%'n8 into l,ani;hlioroui,dr.s Canal, all lake their rise in the same vicinity. The Stta Lli-muh natives df Anderson's Lake (known on the coast as the I^iu-hoo-lis) were the lirst to exphue all the various waters leadin;,' to and from these several rivers. They have the advauta^re of havinj; a central location near the head waters of those streams; tlicy are a hardy eneifictic tribe, and are ;,'oo(l hunters. They s])eak a dialect of the She-swap lani,'MH).'c. The Sko-whoniish are as yet very savajie, havini,' had little intercourse with the whites, their deiium. stratious were anylhinfi hut friendly towards ns ; they are also at war with all the nei^dihoiirini; tribes ; having' heiiii; informeil that they wished to kill my ^'uides, and lieiiiK out of ))rovisions, we decani|ji'il from the mouth of the river at lo i'.m. on the ni;;ht of the 11th, iu two small canoes which I liiid ))urchased, paddled down Howes Sound all iiijiht, and at H a.m. the next inoruiiif; reached I'oiiit Gawer. Havin;; rested for one hour and a half we re-einl»arked, and steered ucroHS the Gulf of Georgia for Naininio, which place we reached safely at 4 i'..m. I had no opportunity of making any ohservations on the nature and capahilities of Howes Sound, its general outlines apjiear to he correctly laid down on \'ancuuver"s charts. Leaving Xainimo the next «lay, we reached X'ictoriu in eighteen iiouis. I ha\e, k<: His Kxcclleiuy J. Douglas, Esii., (Signed) J. \V. M'Kav. i.Vc. (Sk:c, i:c. A l{K(.iisTKn of UuilxiKs constructeil mi tlie Ilari'lson's Uiver Hoiid. No. Length. Widtli. Foot. Foot. 1. 12 9 2. 2.; 9 3. 20 9 4. 18 9 0. 4.1 9 (i. 1.-, !l f • IJt> (i S. 24 ;) !). ;i() <) iO. 12 <) 11. TO i) V2. 7.3 1) i;!. ;)(j 9 14. 70 * 1.). (iO 9 Hi. .■;o G 1. •jr, }) 9 .•io 9 a. 31 9 4. 60 9 0. 90 9 6. 30 9 7. 39 9 8. 40 9 I'nrticulnm. IS'mnlicr of bridges frmn Port Douglas to Port Lilooctt, - Ifi „ Miiall bridges - ,, „ ., - 14 ., .. iiieHii knglli, 1,5 ft. ; widtli, 9 ft. Total number of bridges - • - - - - 30 Kunibcr of liridges from I'ort Peniberton to Port Anderson 17 „ small bridges „ „ ., 1,5 ., „ mean length, \o ft. ; width, 9 ft. Toliil number of bridges - - - - - 32 „ „ „ as above - - - - 30 un the road - 62 ''I'lin ih(. ■a li-wl pi,. Imwliain, iin,| I"' "I'itH ni,|. ■''ffx it al)oui int'i'lio, III ,11 K' Tlaiiici.l,,,, lull (,f ^-entlf li ilt'sn-iKliiij, I'niy parts ,rf lahly iiMiiiiro the l'i('sli(.i^, 'ay-* 'Ml llip is in "lime iipliiT end of leys; il tliiMi a mountain ') AndcrsHnV ' till' lioad (if <'liaii.'f.s inti) natives (if varidiis the loams; tlipy 'I» lanuiiHjre. tfleii- (ieinon- iiiiiii,' trilips; It' 'lecani|ie(| wiiicli I had iiit Gawer. ' Georgia lor ?8 Sound, its i'. M'Kav. - yo No. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 1.5. Hi. 17. I'ArERS RELATING TO HIUTISII COLUMBIA. A ItKillSTKR OV ]\nt\M\y,*—niiiliHii4il. ranlculan. 33 LriiRth. Width. ;i;i 10 w 10 .V) !) [H <) r>4 !» (N) II r,() !» ;!() !t Xuniher (if iiiilc^ fmiii I'mt Dnii^rln'" to I'mi r,il.,i,i It . 3,1/ I'm I I.il It til r.iil I'.iiiUii.in (liv l.ihiix II I.iiki'i - '. 1,1 I. „ „ I'(irt I'liiiliciliiii 111 I'nrt Anilii-iiii . L' I / » I. ,. I'm I Ainlcr^iiii to I!iim| I'uri ( l,v I. like Andcriiiii) - . . 1,", ., „ „ Kii-l I'.iit 1(1 Wc-i 1*1,11 . - 1 ', „ ,, „ Writ I'lirt to I'lirl Scluii (l.y Sclmi Lake) - - - -hi I. „ .. I'dit Scion to Kiiisir liivcr - I Total disitancu • lOH by water, 1 1 j hy liind, (il, No. 24. Copt of DESPATCH fioiii Governor Douglas to the Ritjlit IIoii. .Sir K. H. Lyttov, Uiirl. (Xo 31.) Victoii.i, Vimcoiivci's I.sliiml, N'ovciuhLT 13, \S.',n. (Kccclvcd .Iiiiiiiiiry l,j, IS.'II.) Sir, (Answered, N(i. L'N, Miiich ,'), IS.'.li, piiirc SI.) 1. With rofciencc fo luy Despatcli of tlio 8tli iiistiiiit, Xo. '-i.5,* upon tlit- xiiljjii't of the apimintmcnt of olficeLs to civil situation.s in the Colony of Biiti.sh (Joiiiiiil)i:i, 1 would beg to state to you that 1 should much desire, if it could he ariaugeil, that .Mi. W'illiaui A. G. Youiij;, of the Royal Navy, should he appointed to the ollice of Colonial Secretary. 2. Mr. Young Is on the .spot, and is at ])re.sent filling the oHice of Societaiy to tiie Commission for ascertaining the boundary hetwecn Vancouver's Island and the territories of the United States on the Continent of Xorth America, and, as Mr. Young was sflccied for this service by the Admiralty, and appointed thereto by the Foreign OHice, the consent of their Lordships and of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, must necessarily be obtained before he could be removed from it. 3. Mr. Young has belonged to the Royal Navy for nearly eighteen years, aiui he has served as Secretary to .several Flag Officers upon different Foreign Siatii)iis. His last appointment as Naval Secretary was with the " Captain of the Fleet" in the IJaltic, and I forward to you herewith a copy of a testimonial showing the appreciation entertained of his services by that Officer. The whole of Mr. Young's testimonials tiinnighout his entire .service are of the iiighest order, but I think it unnecessary to trouble you with more than the one I enclose. 4. Mr. Young has already rendered me some assistance, and I consider him .o be qualified, both by ability and character, for the ofllice of Colonial Secretary, and 1 trust joti may be pleased to appoint him to it, and also to obtain the necessaiy permission from the Departments I have mentioned to enable him to enter upon it, as without such permission it would not be possible for him to accept the appointment. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. R. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. lllllTlnll Cm I tiiii A. No. 2 1. I';it'i' '.'4. i Enclosure in No. 2 1. H.M. Sliip "Duke of Wellington," at .S|iitliM(l. -May 17, l^^MI. Mr. Yorxc served as my Secretary from the date of my aijpointnu'iit as (.'iii)taiii oi' the lialtic I'leet rehiiiaiy \>>'to, to the date hereof, when my appointment tinished. It is iiiip();->ilile fur iiie to spc.ik too hiffhly of .Mr. Young's conduet during tiie whole of this period. For the first few inoiiths he had no elerk to assist him in his lahorious duties, and it was a wonder to ine how he iniuiaited to j;et throiij;ii the mass of business that had to be transacted in my ollice; hut, owing to his great exertions, aptitude for business, and cheerfulness of disposition and manner, everything was carried on satisfait(jrily. and not only gave unqualified satisfaction to myself, but to all those who had to transaillmsiiu'ss with iiiin. It is not only in his duties as Secretary that I feel bound to bear testimony to Mr. Youiig"s merits and qualifications, but also as an excellent and intelligent otficor and gentleman. Should I be again in a position to lequire a Secretary, I should consider myself most fortunate if I was able to obtain the services of Mr. Young. (Signed) Fued. J. I'ki.iiam, Commodore 1st Class, and Captain of the Fleet. IL E Eneloaure in No. -24. 84 I'Al'KHS RELATING TO IIUITISH COLUMBIA. i flKirifiii Col.llMIIIA. No. tir,. I''nclc)siin' I. Knt'lMmirc i. liuclosurc .1. Gntliisuro I in N(i. a,). No. «.l. Coi'Y of ni'.Sl'ATCII (VoMi (Jovc'inor Douoi.ah to the Rij^lit Hon. Sir I'. IJ. Lvtton, itait. ( No. .ll.) Victoria, Viincoiivcr's IhIiuuI, November '^7, 1858. (Hfccivicl .lammry 2i), IH5!*. ) Sill, (AiiHWiTi'il, N(p. L'l. b'cl)iMiiii-y II, Is,')!*, \mfif MO.) 1. I iiAvi; till' lioiiDiir to comniiiniciili' lor yo'ir mfornialioii, tluit 1 proceaieil, on till- Kith iiislaiit, hy Hit Majesty's siii|), "Satellite," to I'oint lloherts, ami fioin tliciicc liy till' lliiiisdii's iiay Coinpaiiy's .stiMmcrs "Otter" and " Beaver" to Fort Laiifjiey, to IMoelaim the .\el of I'arhanieilt providiiii; (or the Cjovernmeiit of lirilish Colimibia. '.». I was kiiwllv aeeompanicd hy Kear-.\diniral l5ayiu'son that occasion, hy M r. ( 'ainuron, Chief .(iisliec of Vancoiiver's Island, and Mr. Heifhie, the ,)iidji[e of IJritish (,'olunibia, who arrived iioin San I'Vaiici.sco on the eveiiini,' of the 15tli instant, just in time to take ])art in the solenniily. :i. Captain I'ar.sons with the (irst detaeinnent of Royal Kngineers also accompanied me fi-oni this place ; Captain (Jrant with the .second detachment and also Inspector Brew liaviiifT preceded nie hy a lew days. I'. I'he eerenioiiy was perlon'ned at Fort Laiigley with becoming? .solemnity, on the l!)th instant, in tiie presmce of these >;entleineii. Her Majesty V; troops, and the inlmbi- tanls of the place ; and the OlKcers holdiiij^' ai)poiiitnients from Her Majesty were installed in the usual manner, and with the accustomed forms. .'). Proclamations were then maile, — Isi. Of till' revocation by Her .Majesty of all the exclusive privileges of the Hudson's IJuy Company, '■ind. Indenniii'ving the Officers of Ciovernmciit from all irregularities previous to the proclamation of the Act. .'3rd. ,1'roclaimiiig- Miiirlish Law to be the Laws of the Colony. (i. (Copies of those I'roclamations are herewith transmitted for the information of Her .Majesty's (iovernment. j. rretiirned to this jdace on the S21.st instant with Rear-Admiral Baynes, and all the other sfentiemen who aecomi)anied me to Fort Langley, except Inspector Brew and Captains Grant ami i'arsons, who were left with the Royal Engineers at Old Fort Enc'loturi' '.' in No. -jr,. Lant: ey. The Riuht Hon. Sir E. H. Lytton, Bart. &c. &c. &c. I have, Sec. (Si. .led) JAMES DOUGLAS, Governor. Kiielo.sinv 1 in No. 2.'). I'llOCI.A.MATlOX Uy \»i^ l']\Cflienpy Jamks Uoi'ci.as, Governor ami Coinmaiider-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Colony of Vancouver's Islam! and its UependfiKtius. Will iii:as, lli'i' Maji'.-ily hut; 1h'(mi pleased, by an Instruiiieut made under Her Sign Manual, to reviiki tl:--' ('muii (Inuil dali'd tlu' ;5ntli day of Nlay, in the year of our Lord, 1><38, to the Hudson's ilciy ('oiii(iauy, for cM.lii^^ivi' tradiiif;' with the Iiulians, in so far as tin- said Grant embraees or extends lo ihc 'fcnitdiu's comiirised within the (.^oloiiv of Uritish Columbia; I, .hniii'r, Doujflas. (iovenior of tlie said Colony, now proelaiin and publish this Instrument revoking till' Hiiid (iraut, for the infoiniatiou and f^uidauee of all persons interested therein. (llvfu iMider my hand and seal at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, this Third day of November. \>i'iK. in tlic I'wcMty-second year of Her Majesty's Reign. Ja.mks l)ot,x las, Governor, (l.s.) (iou s.vvE rtii: (.,)ii;kn. Knelosure H in No. 25. I'UOCI.AMATION liy Ilis ICxcelleiicy Jamks Doi-ci.as, (iovernor and Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Colony of British Columbia and its Dejiendencies. I'rocliimation having tiie h'orcc ol' Law to indemnify the Governor and others for Acts done before the I'^stablishinent of any legitimate Authority in Hritish Columbia. M'iii;i! IAS large iiunibers of Her Majesty's subjects and others have resorted to and settled on the territory now comi;rised within the limits ot this Colony, before the establishment of any settled form of (.iovcnimciit therein ; and it has been necessary to take steps for the establishment and maintenance of peace, ord'M-, and good government, and for the protection of the rights of Her Majesty, and for the collection of a revenue from lands belonging to Her Majesty, some of which steps may not have been fully autliori/cd in point of law: And whereas by a Commission under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Irelani'. J, James Douglas, Governor of the Colony of British Columbia, have been authorized, I,. Prmdnmatinn OfriiiiiiiKeH for ll Hf if tlicrcloi of Urilixh Coliiiii matter, or thing ,)ij. I'roclamalio .iiitlinrity "r din Jami'8 l)ongla.s i !jft(i, nntl disclmi ofuiiyHUch act. Courts of ciMl or Ami I do flirt Governor or ( )Hi matter, or thing i ilira-tion or auth iifihe matters hi a in the said dedar Issuei No By his Excellenr I'roclainal WllKKKAS by Majesty Queen within the Coloi nrnelamation of t His late Majesty Fourth, and by mentioned, shoid thereto. And whereas 19th day of Nove And whereas I Ireland, Her Maj to authorize the !■ to make Laws, li It is t'lcrefore 1 Criminal Laws of 90 far iis they are i remain in full for in Her Privy Co hereafter be legi enforced by all { protection of the Issuei No Copy of DES (No. 35.) Sir, 1. I Hi^ Officer comma service of the Eraser's River, of the other tr( would be carry PAPERS RELATINCJ TO FUUTrSH COLUMBIA. aa ),• PriK'lnnmfinn itiKiicd iiiulcr fhi' I'liblic OrriiniilK''" ''"' •'"' l"'i'i''> "fl'T. 1111(1 >{iHi(l j{(nrrillii('llt nl'tlK' lnTfl'iirr ki S««nl of tlin (Vlony, fi« iimki' l.iiwx. Iii-tifiifimi-. mid OrriiniiiK''" i"i' "K' pt'iii"'. 'inicr, ami kihki j^incriiiiiciit nl'tlK' -iiiiii': \]f it ilHTfliirr known to nil wliiiiii it iiiiiy cHiiirrn, that I. llii- «ai(l .Iiiiihm Douglas (invcninr of Urili^h ('('luiiihiii, do licrfliy, in virtue of tin' uutlmrily atijicsaid, iiiact and proilaini lli.il ■mmv art, malliT, iir tinier Imiia lidf done and iicrt'oiint'il I'oi anv nl' tlic |Mir|)n!.f(i aloroaid, li.'luri' tin' date ol' llii. IViiclaiiiation, hy int', the ( dccnii'd to Ih' ami to hate Ihtii \alid in law, and lliiil I, tin' said Jaini'H l)oiif;laj<, anil the said other perxdiH shall he and hereliy are sever.ill) and i'linlly indeinnitied, frredt aikI
  • «'li>ir^t' ; " mcnlioned inthi'suid declaration in respect of thi- act, matter or tliinjj specilied therein. iHHiied ut Kort Laiiffley, niider the I'lihlic Seal of tin- said Colony, this N'ineleenlh day of Novemher IH.W, in the 'IVeiity-secoml year of Her MajeHly's l!ei;;n, liy inc, J.wi:,', l)(ii (,i.A>, (ioNcinor. (i..-..) OOD HAVK TIIK QUKHN. IIritmh Cul.l MHIA. Enclnsiiro !l in No. 2i'i. Pn()rT,.\MATi()v By his Excellcnry Jamks Docoi.as, Oovprnor and Commander-in-Oiief of Her Majesty'^ ''olony of Mritisli C'olninliia and its Dependencies. I'roclaniatioii having tlio Force of Law to declare that l')ii<;lish Law is in lone in Hritish C'oluniliia. WiiKHKAs hy an Act of I'arlianiont pastied in the .Session held in the 'Jlsl and '.i'.'ml year.- ot Iler .Majesty Qiioen Victoria, it was enacted that the territories therein descrilied should he comprised within the Colony tlipreliy created of Hritish Columhia; and it was further ciiacted that on the proclamntioii of the said Act in HritiHli Columhia, I'ertain .Aits whiili were passed in thi" liJrd vcar of His late Majesty Kinjf (ieorfje the Third, and in the 'Jnii year of His late .Majesty KiiiL.' (ieoi-^re the Fourth, and hy which the law of Upjier ('anada was extended to certain parts of America therein mentioned, slionld cease to have force in the said Colony of Hritish Coluniliia, or to lie .ipplicalilc thereto. And whereas such Procli'inatioii of the said first mentioned Act has heeii duly made ou this I9th day of November instant. And whereas by a Commission under the Great Seal of the United Kint'dom of (ircat Hritaiii and Ireland, Her Majesty was pleased to apjmint .lames Doii<;las to lie Cjovernor of Hritish < olnmhici, and to anthori/.e the said .lames Don PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. British CoLI'MllIA. tions of CoIodl'i Mooily, his commanding officer, and my own views with respect to the rc'(inireinents of Hritisli Cohimbia. ','. (Japlain (Jraiit coincidinj,' with me in those viewi, it was arranged that the whole detachmfiii of Uoyal Enf^inccrs s'louiil be transported, \yitl' ill their stores, provisions for four months, and building niiUL-rials for the construction of several wooden houses of rospcitablo si/c, to Fort Langley, an arrangement whicii was successfully and at once carried into eifoct. 3. I have fiirtlicr chartered the Hudson's BayCompanyV briguntine "Recovery," used liitherto as a revenue vessel, io lodge tiie troops, until houses are erected lor their accommo. dation, so that they are thoroughly pre ected from the weather, and made as comfortable as circiunstances will permit. 4. The men are in high spirits and in perfect health. 5. I also made a requisition on Admiral Baynes for a medical officer to remain with the troops. Trusting these proceedings may meet with your approbation, The Right lion. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. I have, &c. &c. &c. &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, Governor. No. 27. .Spp pafit' G.'i, '•mi I. No. 27. Copy of DESPATCH from Gcvernor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 37.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 27, 1858. (Keceivcd January 29, 1859.) Sin, (Answered No. 30, Miircli 10, 1859, pngo SI.) 1. I iiAVF, the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication No. '20, of the Uitli Scptendier last.* '2. Jt is to me a most salisfacto.y ;ind encouraging circumstance that Her Majesty's Government continue to approve ofay ])ri)ceedings in administering the Government of British Columbia. I feel truly gralefi.'l for your kind support, and in consequence more capable of encountering the dilHculties witii which, though in a lesser degree, we are still beset. 3. I have with much pleasure, and acccording to your instructions, conveyed to Ca|)tain Picvost and Captain Richards, die Officers commanding H.M.S. '• Satellite" and "Plumjjer," your acknowledgments for the cordial assistance which they have rendered to this Cjovernment whenever their services were required, and they are gratified by the ompliment. •1.. Her JMajcsfy's Government may feel assured that I will endeavour to dispense as much as possil)k- v ith the use of military assistance in administering the affiiirs of Goverii- inent ; and 1 have no doubt that with time, and when there is a fixed population havin; veste J rights and interests at stake in the country, tha* a military force may, in a grett measure, become imnecessary; but until those changes take place, I would strongly recommeml the maintcii;ince of a respectable military or naval force to represent the power and ujiiiold the dignity of Her Majesty's Government. .0. I would also take tiie liberty of suggesting the employment of one or two gun boats of light draught for the protection of the public revenue,-and also for conveying Govern- ment stores and troops from one part of the coast to another, u service that cannot be effected in country ships without much delay and enormous expense. (). Those ve.isefs will also be urgently required for the protection of persons who may be induced by the revocation of the Hudson's Bay Company's licence to embark in the traile of the coast north of TVaser's River, with the numerous and warlike tribes of Indians inhabiting that |)art of British Colundiia, and who will not fiiil to demand the protection ot Government, .so obviously requisite in the prosecution of their commercial pursuits. 7. Rear-Admiral IJaynes, with whom I have conversed on the subject, is of opinion, that those gunboats arc also capable of navigating Eraser's River, and it is certain that their presence would have a jiowerful and salutary influence on the foreign population of the country. S. The Rear-Admiral is also of opinion that two of those vessels might be detached without inconvenience from the fleet now employed on the coast of China, a circumstance which 1 submit (or your consideration, and most earnestly hoping that the suggestion may be lavoiuably entertained. i). It is ])erhaps iinncces.sary to occupy your time with remarks concerning the privileges ot the lluilson's Bay Company, which have ceased to exist in British Columbia. respect to tlie liat the whole provisions for len houses of anil at once covery," used leir uccommo- IS coinfbrtable > remain with JGLAS, Governor. 1. B. Lytton, !r 27, 1858. go Ml.) :ation No. '20, Jcr Majesty's toveniment of squenee more e, we are still conveyed to satellite " and lave rendered atified by the dispense as rs of Govern- lation having ay, ill a grett 3uld strongly ent the power wo gun boats ying Govern- lat cannot be oils who may iibark in tlic )C's of Indians he protection il pursuits, is of opinion, s certain that population of be detached circumstance e suggestion icerning the ill Columbia. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 37 10. Wc have succeeded with difficulty in preventing the unlawful occupation of the public domain, ami I look forward with hi xiety for Colonel Moody's arrival to commeuco the survey and allotment of land in Ilritish Columbia. 11. I observe tliu appointment of Mr. \V. Mamley to the office of Collector of Customs for British Columbia, and that he was to sail in the " Tliames City," in a few days from the date of your Despatch. 1'2. My own views entirely concur with your remarks on the great importance to the general social welfare and dignity of the Colony, that gentlemen should be encouraged to come to this country by the hope of obtaining professional occupation, as stii)eiidiary ma'^istrateR, or in other respectable public appoiitments ; and tliere are really very few persons, the officers of the Hudson's Bay Company excepted, qualified to fill offices of trust and responsibility ; and I would remark in reference to the officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, that they are engaged in other pursuits, and have in no instance been appointed to any office under Government, nor do any of them appear disposed to accopi of ar.y public employment. 13. I would for these reasons recommend that careful appointments should be made in England. There is here a wide field for such situations, and the qualities requisite are, integrity, sobriety, firmness, zeal, industry, implicit obedience to orders, and a practical acquaintance with the nature of the duties to be performed. 14. I shall most gladly attend to your wishes for any newspapers containing matter worthy of attention, and shall not fail to inform you of everything of importance that passes' in British Columbia. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS. &c. &c. &c. Governor. Britjuh Columbia. No. 28. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douplas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lvtton, Bart. (No. 38.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 29, 1858. (Received January 29, 1859.) Sib, (Answered, No. 20, Febniury II, 1839, i)iigc 80. ) I. The first operation disposing of public lands in British Columbia took place here on the 25th instant, under the direction of Mr. Pemberton, Colonial Surveyor tor Vancouver's Island. 2. The spot selected for sale was the site of a former establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company, known as " Old Fort Langley," on the left bank of Fraser's River, about 28 miles from its debouche into the Gulf of Georgia. The anchorage is good, and the river deep enough for ships close into the bank. With a cheerful aspect, a surface well adapted for buildings and drainage, it has the disadvantage of being in part low, and occasionally flooded by the river. The greater jiart of the site is, however, a dry, elevated table land, closely covered with bush and lofty pine trees. 3. On the whole it is a place to which public attention was strongly directed as being a very advantageous site tuc a commercial town. I therefore directed that it should be surveyed, and laid out into convenient lots for sale. The main streets, 7^ f^'L't wide, are intended to run parallel with the river, connected by cross streets at right angles with the former, the whole site covering 900 acres of hind, being divided into 183 blocks of live by ten cliains, and each of those blocks being further subdivided into 18 building lots, ()4 by J20 feet in extent, forming in all 3,294' builiiing lots. 4. It was arranged that the upset price was to be ,8'100 or 2U/. 16?. Sd. There was a large assemblage of people on the morning of the sale, and much competition for lots. The highest price obtained for single lots was i?725, and about I87 lots were sokl on the first day's sale, and 155 lots on the second day, the whole yielding a sum of about 13,000/., on which a deposit of 10 jier cent, was paid down, and the remainder is to be paid in course of a month, or the lots will be resolil. 5. The sale is to be resumed on the 1st December, and I will further mention the result ill a postscript to this letter, should the mail now daily expected not leave before that date, and also forward Mr. Surveyor Pemberton's report of tl-e sale. (i. The result of this first experiment is highly satisfactory, as i.itimating the confidence entertained by the public in the resources of British Columbia, and at the same time yielding a needful supply of money for defraying the necessary expenses of the public service. E 3 TXo. 28. EnrloBure 1. im S8 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Bbitirb COLUMBU. Enclorare i. 7. As much anxiety was felt by foreigners desirous of acquiring property in British Columbia with respect to tlie riglits of aliens to iiold and transfer real estate under the British ('rown, I issued a note givinfj; a brief exposition of the question, and caused it to be read l)efore the crowd assembled at the sale, and generally circulatetl for the information of the public, in order that no misapprehension might exist on the subject, and I herewith transmit a copy of that note for your information. 8. I am now jjreparing a measure which proposes to secure to aliens the full rights of possession and enjoyment of any lands which they may purchase of the Crown 7br the space of three years, when they will be required to become British subjects, or convey their rights to other parties who enjoy that privilege by birth or natmalization. That measure being in conformity with the spirit of your instructions will, I trust, meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right lion. Sir E, B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. &c. P.S. — December 1. Mr. Pemberton's report, referred to in this Despatch, is herewith forwarded, with the latest particulars of the sale. i 1 t Xnelorarc 1 in No. 38. I"]nclosure I in No. 28. Sin, Land Office, Victoriii, November 30, IK'iS. ' In iiccordanw with your instructions I had tlie town site at Langley — about 900 acres — laid nut in bnildinft ! ' . ' ': 04 i'eet by 120 feet, about 3,000 in number, and put up for sale by public, auctinn at Victoria, as previously ailvertised on the 2;">th November and followuig days, and have the honour to report iis follows : — About 350 lots were sold at at an average price of '20O dollars each, the rest remaining for the iiresent unsold. The highest price paid for any full-sized lot was 72-") dollars, and the least 10(» dollars. The actual number of purcbasers was Ifi-';. Hut as these were in many cases agents for others, and thi' bighest-priced lots often iiurchased for several persons, I should think between 4oo and ")0(i persons have a pecuniary interest in the success of the new town. Of the wbole sum 70,000 dollars, or I'iyfHSl. Gs. Hd., only one-tenth is paid up, the proposed pur- chasers being bound to pay up the remainder within a month, or, in default, forfeit their interest in the instalment and land. Unless some improvements are made, and buildings commenced to encourage the wavering, I believe tbat the latter alternative Willi II many instances take place. I would therefore respectfully suggest, for your Kxcellency's consideration, vvhetlier, previous to tbc erection of sa'.v-mills, and for a limited time only, anything can be done to facilitate the ingress of building materials ; and, in cnnclusion, would mention, as a case in point — not a solitary instance — a jiersoh professing to be a British subject and residing at Whatcom, says he could easily take his house to pieces and carry it up the river, hut to do so, entering it lirst at Victoria, would be impossible. If the first purchasers succeed, an extensive sale of town and suburban lots at Langley may be reasonably looked for in spring. I have, (!^-c. His Kxcellency James Douglas, (Signed) Joskmi D. PK.MnKRTON, Governor, &c. Acting Colonial Surveyor. I i !l |1' i ' ' Eoelomn lin No. as. Enclosure 2 in No. 28. As to the Purchase of Lands by Aliens. Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 25, 18.58. 1. AccoRDixo to the law of England, which is also the law of British Columbia, an alien may hold lands, but is liable to have them declared forfeited to the Crown at any time. 2. No alien vin be disturbed in the possession of lands by any other person than the Crown authorities by reason only of his being an alien. 3. The Colonial Government projinses to secure to .iliens the full rights of possession and enjoyment of any lands which they may purchase at this sale for the space of three years. At the end of that time they must, if they wish to cimtinue to hold the lands, either become themselves naturalized British subjects, or else cimvey their rights to British subjects, .*^uch conveyances it is the intention of tiie Colonial Government not to disturb on the ground of any vendor being an alien. 4. It is the intention of the Colonial Government to endeavour to obtiiin from the Home Governnient their sanction to measures for carrying into eifect the above views, which measures are now in prepa- ration ; but they must depend, for their full effect, on the ratification by the Home Government. A PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 39 ty in British e under the 11(1 caused it ted for the tlie subject, ill lights of >wn for the ■*, «r convey tion. That t, meet with 3LAS, jovernor. is herewith r30, isr,8. • ■res — laid nut iiiblic iuiction ;he honour to ir the jjresent lollars. The liers, and thi' 1 Tidd persons roposed pur- iterest in the iig, I believe Lilly suggest, for a limited cnnclusion, itish Siubjeet river, but to an extensive Surveyor. 25, ISHK in may hold the Crown I enjoyment of that time i/,ed British ition of the Tovernment w in prepa- lent. No. '-'9. Copy of DESPATCH froni Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. IJ. Lyttov, Bart. (No. 39.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 30, 1858. §,Pj (Received January 29, ISOT.) .Skveiial murders having heing committed in British Columbia by wliitc men ennan'cd in mining pursuits, and it having been i'ouuil cxpiMisivc, not only to bring them to "rial, which has nevertheless been in every case accomi)lislied, but al.so impossible to carry out the sentence of the law in cases where criminals are sentenced to transportation for lite, for the reason that there is no penal settlement within reach, ami that I have no means of forming a settlement for that purpos;.' on this coast. I am therefore much perplexed about the disposal of convicts of that class, and wish to learn if Her Majesty's Government will permit their removal to any penal settlement in Australia, and how the expense of their removal is to be defrayed, I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. Bhitibb COLDMBU, No, 29. No. 30. Copy of i:)ESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 40.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 30, 18.58. Sir, (Received .January 29, 1859.) 1. Since my last report on the state of the country of the *9th instant there have been no decided changes or events of much importance connected with British Columbia. 2. The exodus from Eraser's River continues at about the rate of 100 persons a week. The reasons assigned by those persons for leaving the country are various, some having families to visit and business to settle in California, others dreading the supposed severity of the climate, others alleging the scarcity and hifTh price of provi-sions, none of them assigning as a reason for their departure the want of gold. 3. There has lately been a great deal of rain at Fort Yale, and the mountain tops are covered with snow. There has been, however, no severe cold weather, neither is there any snow in the valley of Eraser's River. 4. A considerable traffic with the Upper Eraser's River is now being started by the Harrison's River road, which will ultimately become the great commercial thoroughfare of the country. An unexpected obstacle to the passage jf steamers into Harrison s Lake has been discovered since the river fell to its lowest stage, in a shallow rapid about half a mile in length, which occurs near the entrance of Harrison's Lake. When that obstacle is removed, and no exertion should be spared to accomplish that desirable object, there will be a free passage for river steamers through Harrison's Lake and to Port Douglas at every stage of the river. 5. A Mr. Hovey called upon me this afternoon, to report having struck rich bank diggings on the left bank of I'Vaser's River, 125 feet from the river, and about eight miles below the confluence of Bridge River. He also states that a party of ten men, who are employed in working an adjoining bank, have succeeded in bringing in a supply of water sufficient to run four sluices, which lately yielded MS ounces of gold in three weeks. The gold found is not of the flaky sort, but of that description which is termed in California " round shot gold," where it is considered indicative of the richest places. Mr. Hovey is of opinion that all the " river benches " or " table lands " between the forks of Thompson's River and the Fountain will be found equally productive in gold. Mr. Hovey also reports having seen a specimen of pure copper that was found near the same spot, 0, It has been for some time reported that several French miners have discovered gold in remunerative quantities on Harrison's River, and that they are now at work, and making fair wages, a report which wants confirmation, though it is not at all improbable, as tile .soil in that district is known to be auriferous, and it will, I trust, become a profitable mining district. 7- I have not heard from Mr. Commissioner Travaillot since the beginning of the present month. He reports the general want of provisions among the miners of the P'ort Dallas district, and suggests tiiat supplies should be forwarded to that part of the country by the Hudson's Bay Company or by the Governme it. E 4 No. 3U. ' Page 27, 40 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. y I nRITIBIl COLCHBIA, Enclosure. 8. Tlie Hudson's Bay Company may act in that matter as they think proper, but it would, tor obvious reasons, be iiighly injudicious to cmbari< the resources c.^' (lovernnient in commercial undertakings, even to accomplish a public object. 9. In opening an accessible communication by Harrison's River the Government lias discharged its proper duties, leaving commercial objects entirely to private enterprise. lU. 1 have the honour of transmitting herewith the following niunbers of the " Victoria Gazette," which may prove interesting : — S'ith November, 27th November, 30tli November. 11. I have been at some trouble to ascertain the amount of gold produced in Britisli Columbia this season, and now submit the following estimates and returns, which, witliout professing to be absolutely correct, will serve to give an approximate idea of the (|uaiititiLs of gold dust exported and remaining on hand in the country. The quantities marked thus * are actual returns, and their correctness may be rolicj on. The estimates are made up from the best information I could receive on the subject : — Wells, Fargo, and Co., exported Freeman .ind Co., no returns, but estimate Ballou and Co., in deposit ... Hudson's Bay Company, exported Kstimatcs in the hands of private parties, exported Ditto in the hands of miners in British Columbia Ounces. 10,593* 6,2.00* 4,000* 30,000 40,000 30,305 Supposed production of gold .since the month of June"! 1858 - - - - - -J 70,000 100,305 12. The actual produce of gold probably exceeds the quantity I iiave stated, an impression derived from the official returns of goods imported into Vancouver's Ishiiul for the quarter ending with the 30th day of September last, amounting to the large sum of 231,370/. sterling, nearly the whole of which appears to have been absorbed in supplying the demand of British Columbia, and paid for in gold dust. 13. A cutting fiom the "San Francisco Herald " of the 20th November last, which I have just received, and now forward, corroborates the statements in this letter, and gives a return of ,^^51 1,000 as the amount of gold received fiom Frazer's River by tlie United States branch mint and several mercantile firms at San Francisco, and in making tliat return the writer has evidently no desire to exaggerate the resources of Britisli Columbia. 14. The whole return is satisfactory, inasmuch as it shows that a very considerable revenue may be raised from the duties now levied on imports as soon as that law can be strictly enforced. 15. The mail steamer has, I regret to say, not yet arrived here, and it is ahnost certain that our letters now ready for transmission will not arrive at San Francisco in time for the mail steamer, which leaves that port on the 5th proximo for Panama. Our last mail was not more fortunate, and would, I fear, be detained at San Francisco for the steamer of the 5th of December. 10. I have just received letters from Mr. Justice Smith, of Fort Hope, who reports the arrival of the fir.st Government mail from this place, that the town is rapidly improving, and that substantial buildings are being erected, and that peace and quiet reigns throughout the district The Iligiit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. &c. ike. &c. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, Governor. Enclosure in No. 30. San Francisco ncrald, November 20. "no!"o.'° '^''"^ " P'''''<>s Current and Sliipping List," one of the strictest and most correct papers of its class, seems to ilouht our estimate of Fiazer River gold that has reached this country, which was placed at about 420,000 dollars, and says that a great portion of the amount named must have been in coin, which, Copy of DESPi PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 41 IS it went from California, should not be counted aa Frazer River gold. The " Prices C^irrent and Shipping List" then makes its estimate, whieh it places at only about l.i(),000 dollars in dust, received here from Frazer River. In order to satisfy ourselves about the matter, which is rather an important one, we obtained rough estimates from Messrs. H. Van Valkenbcrg, Kellogg and Humbert, and Hull and Banks, of the amount of Fra/.er lliver dust received by their respective firms, from the time the fever com- menced until now, with the following result : — H. Van Valkenberg - - - . . 8 (;5,()ii() Kellogg and Humbert - - - ... 2(ii),()(K) liuU and Hanks - .... lo(),0(io V. S. Branch Mint - - - ... 140,0(111 Total - S.511,0(K) It must be remembered these were distinct and separate portions of dust, in no manner confounded, as we took care to make suitable inqiiiries on that point. The foregoing statement shows tliat our foimer estimate was below the fact, instead of being excessive. But granting that half u million of dollars in round numbers have been realized from the Frazer River region, several very important facts must be borne in mind in connexion therewith. In the first place, the digging has been carried on from the commencement, in March last, to the present time, a period of nearly nine months. Secondly, from one to thirty thousand of our most energetic miners have been more or less engaged in working the mines. Thirdly, that great numbers of Indians have also occupied themselves in extracting gold from them. Fourthly, that a great many people from Oregon and Washington Territories likewise assisted in getting out this gold. ° Fifthly, that the gold obtained by Americans — whether from California, Oregon, or Washington Territories — as well as that ol)tained by Canadian diggers, English diggers in New Columbia, and the Indians, eventually found its way to California, having been exchanged for coin sent from this State, and for the purpose of assay and coining, which could only l)e secured here. I'^roin these data, we argue — 1st That nearly all the gold dug in New Columbia has been brought to California; 2nd. That the gross amount will scarcely exceed half a million of dollars ; ;ird. That for the s))ace of six months out of the nine that the Fra/.er River mines ha\e been worked, at least ten thousand miners, of all sorts and classes, were engaged in the operation ; ■(th. That during the other three months not less than two thousand were so employed. Leaving the last-mentioned class entirely out of the question, and throwing in the result of their labours, wc should have a return of fifty dollars to each miner of the ten thousand for his six months' hard work. Then reckon expenses, say about 350 dollars per man lor the ])eriod mentioned, inclufiing passage money, and we come to the unavoidable conviction that they sustained a loss of 30(1 dollars each. We have not entered into a minute examination of the subject, but give the above as the result of our inquiries, and a rough calculation of the facts as gleaned. It would be difficult to find a more discouraging business than mining on Frazer River has thus far proved to the number engaged in it. British Columbia. No. 31. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to tite Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 42.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December 4, 1858. Sir, (Received January 29, 1859.) I. I HAVE the honour of forwarding lierewith for your information copies of two Proclamations, issued respectively on tiie 2nd and 3rd days of December instant. 'i. The first relates to the conveyance of Crown lands, and its object is explained in the accompanying note from Mr. Begbie. 3. The other Froclamation, issued yestenlay, is for the purpose of imposing duties and . imports into British Columbia, to provide a revenue for defraying the public expenses of the Colony. 4. The Ordinance is to remain in force for six months to test its operation, and it will then be amended or continued in its present form, as may appear expedient. 5. The port of Victoria is for the present declared the port of entry for British Columbia, initil arrangements are made to collect the duties at some point on Frazer's River. ('). Hoping that those proceedings may meet with the approval of Her Majesty's Government, I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. . &c. &c. No. 31. Kncloaurv. Knclusnre. IL 43 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Bkitibh Columbia. Eucloiure 1 ii No, 31. Enclosure 1 in No. 31. HmU'I.AMATinV By his Excelleniy Jamks Doi (ji.as, Governor and Coinmnmler-in-Chiet' of Her Majesty's Colony ' of British Columbia anil its Dependencies. I'iKx i.A.MArioN having the forre of law, to enalile the (iovernor of British C!oluinbia to convey Crown Lands sold within the said (>)lony. Wii KiiKAh l)y virtue of ai' Act of Parliament made and passed in the iilst and 22nd years of the reign of Her most (iracious Majesty the (^ueen, and by a Commission under the Great Seal of the rnitcii Kin^'dom of fireat Britain and Ireland, in conformity therewith, I .lames Douglas, Governor of tile Colony of British Columi)ia, have been authorized by I'roclamation issued under the Public Seal of the Colony, to make laws, institutions, and ordinances for the peace, order, and u'ood government of the same. Now, therefore, I .Tames Douglas, Governor of British Columbui, by virtue of the authority afore- said, do proclaim, ordain, anil enact, that on and after the day of the date of this Proclamation, it sliall be lawful for the Governor for the time being of the said Colony by an instrument in print or in writing or partly in print and pai tly in writing, under his hand and seal, to grant to any person or persons any lands Ijelongmg to the Crown in the said Colony, and every such instrument shall be valid as against Her Majesty, Her heirs, and successors, for all the estate and interest expressed to be conveyed by suiii instrument in the lands therein described. Issued at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, under the I*ul)lic Seal of the Colony of Britisii Columbia, this Second day of December One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of Her Majesty's reign, by me, .Jamks Douglas, (l.s.) Governor of British Columbia. God savk xhk Qukkx. Sub-Encloiure. Kuclosure 2 in No, 31. Sul>-Enclosure. Coi'Y of NoiK from M.\rrni',w U. Beohik, Esquire, to Governor Douoi.as, dated Victoria. December 1, 18.5y. It ajjpears to me that the title of the Crown can only be conveyed by Letters Patent under tlie Great Seal, or under the authority of an Act of Parliament. I should, therefore, recommend a Proclamation lia\ing the force of law to be immediately issued, empowering some person or persons to convey the legal estate in Crown Lands which have been contracted to be sold. This merely provides machinery for carrying into full legal effect the sales which have already been made equitably at the auction, and subsequently thereto in the surveyor's office. (Signed) Mattukw B. Begbik. Enclosure 2 In No. 31, PliOll.A.M.\Tll)N By his Excellency J,\Mrs Douglas, (iovernorand Commander-in-Chief of British Columbia, having the force of Law, to authorize the levying of Customs Duties upon (ioods imported into Britisii Columbia. Wiii'.HKAs it is expedient to provide ways and means to enable Her Majesty to defray the piiblii' expenses of the Colony of British Columbia, and in aid thereof to authorize the levying of duties of customs on goods imported into the said Colony and its dependencies: And whereas by a Conunissiou under the Cireat Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, which has been duly jiro- elaimed and j)ublished, I, the Governor of British Columbia, have been authoriycd by Proclaiuatinn under the Public Seal of the Colony to make laws, institutions, and ordinances for the ])eace, order, ami good government of the same. Now, therefore, I, James Douglas, Governor of the said Colony, do proclaim, ordain, and enact for law, as follows; to wit, Sect. 1. AH goods, wares, and merchandise not otherwise herein-after mentioned, imported into British Columbia, or any of its deiiendencies, shall be chargeable with a duty of ten ])ounds per centum on the amount of tlic value thereof at the port of entry. Sect. 2. There shall be charged on the articles next herein-after mentioned the following duties of customs : — £ .v. il. Flour, in barrels or sacks, 196 lbs. - - - - - -021 Bacon, per lOd lbs. - - - - - - --(i4 2 Sinrits and strong waters of all kinds, sweetened or otherwise, for every imperial gallon of full strength of ]iroof or less than proof i)y Syke's hydrometer, and in proportion for any greater strength than the strength of proof, and for any greater or less (juantity than a gallon - - - - - " Wines, in wood or bottle, per imperial gallon . - . Ale, sprure, and other beer, porter, cider, and perry, in wood or bottle imperial gallon -.....- Beans, pease, and i)ulse of all descriptions used for food, per 100 lbs. Barley, oats, and all other grain, per 200 lbs. Sect. i. The following articles will lie entered free of all duties; to wit, Coin, quicksilver, fresh meat, fish, fruit, vem'tables, sawed lumber, shingles, fuel, hay and straw, wheat, potatoes, poultry, live stock of all kinds, machinery for agricultural purposes, seeds, bulbs ami per 4 2 II ij 1 II 0: II 'i+ roots of plants am and profes-iional i Cfllutnliia, or tor person holding an Sect. I. 'I'hc bi scribed for the en 17th vi-av "f Q"<" Sect. •'■'• AH ev the duties hereby nunisheil in the m Sect. fi. And w hour of Esquimal .ubji'ct to no toll! hereto appended) duties aforesaid, t or at which any s for the present ai of Victoria, Vain and its dependeni British Columbia Customs at Victo aforesaid, accordi Customs. Sect. 7. This Pi OH all goods im])o hereof. Sect.s. This P the same shall, bel lawful authority, in the meantime, Issuei Ish tw« Copy of DES! (No. 45.) Sir, 1. I HA 17th of Septet! have selected i British Colunil with a passage Engineers to I The Right 1 &( Copy of DES (No. 4.G.) Sin, 1. I H September, in was placed, o " Plumper," fi 2. That ext kst, when it ' knowledge an allowance as •sty's Coluuy i'parel, and professional apparatus ; all articles imported for the public service and uses of the Colony of British Columbia, or for tne use of Her Majesty's Land or Sea Forces stationed therein, or for the use of any person holding any command or appointment in Her Majesty's Forces aforesaid. Sect. •• I'll" '•■'' "'' entry and the declaration of the importer shall be according to the form pro- scribed for the entry of dutiable goods by the Act of the Imperial Parliament, passed in flic Itifh and 17th vear "f QueP" Victoi-ia, entitled the " Customs Consolidation Act, IS^iS." Sect. •'i. All evasions and offences committed by any person or persons to defeat the payment of the duties hereby made payable on all goods imported into British Col unil)ia, will l)e prosecuted and nunisht'd in the manner prescribed by the said "Customs C'onsolidaticui Ad, lK,j;{.'" Sect. fi. And whereas the Port of Victoria in \'ancouver's Island, in wliich jxirt i> inchided the har- Iwiir of Ksquimalt, is a free port, and vessels entering or leaving the same, or goiids biiided thereat, arc subject to no tolls, duties, p.iymcnts, or exacticuis wliatevcr, (exce])t such as arc spe<'itic{t in the scheciule hereto appended) : And whereaB there is at present no Officer in British Columbia empowered to levy the (hities aioresaid, nor any station in the said Colony, at wiiich the said duties can conveniently be levied, or at which any such Officer can be conveniently j)osted. I do fuitlier proclaim, declare, aiKfeuact, that for the present and until further jnovisioii be made for tli(> collection of the same duties, the said Port of Victoria, Vancouver's Island, shall be the port of (>ntiy for all goods imjioitcd into British Coliimliia and its dependencies, or any part thereof; and the duties hereby made pavablc on goods imiiorted into British Columbia and its dependencies shall be under the niauageinent of tfic ( 'ollector of Her Majesty's Customs at Vietoriii, and shall be ascertained, raised, levied, collected, paid, and rec()\cred at N'ictoria aforesaid, according to the provisions of the laws now in force or hereafter to be made relating to tin Customs. Sect. 7. This Proclamation shall take etl'ec't, and the duties hereby enacted and imiiosed shall be payable on all goods imported or attempted to be imported into British Columbia after the day of the date hereof. Sect. S. This Proclamation shall continue in force for six calendar months from the date hereof, unless the same shall, before the expiration of the said |)eriod of six calendar mimtbs, be modified or repealed by lawful authority, and shall not continue in force beyond such six calendar months, unless the same shall in the meantime, by Proclamation or other lawful authority, be extended or prolonged. Issued under the Public .Seal of the Colony of British Colunibiii, at y'ictoria, Van<'ou\er's Island, this Third day of December One thousand eight buiidred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of Her Majesty's reign, by me, .l.sMi:-. Doii.iA-i, (iovernor. (i..».) ,1 Gob savk thk Qikkx. Sir, (No. 45.) No. 32. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir li. B. Lytton, Bart. "Vancouver's Island, December 9, 1858. (Received January 29, 1859.) L I HAVE tlie honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 23, of the 17th of September last, acquainting me that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel have selected the Rev. James Gammage to officiate among tlie mining population of British Columbia, that you had provided Mr. Gammage (who will be paid by the Society) with a passage in the ship " Thames City," which was about to take out the l)arty of Engineers to British Columbia. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. &c. No. 33. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E, B. ]>ytton, Bart. (No. 46.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December 0, 18.58. Sir, (Received .January 29, lHo9.) 1. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 24, of the 24th of September, in which you kindly approve, under the peculiar circumstances in which 1 was placed, of the allowance of j)ay to the companies of H.M. ships "Satellite" and " Plumper," from the local revenue, equal to their rate of ])ay from the Crown. 2. That extra allowance of pay was made for three months up to the 30tii of Sejitcmbor la.st, when it was not considered necessary to continue it for a longer time, and witli tlie knowledge and approval of Admiral Baynes, who concurred with me regarding the allowance as unusual and forming a troublesome and inconvenient precedent, that F 2 Hritiru COLUNHU. I No, .12, No. 3.1, 44 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Britibh decision was made known to Captains Prevost and Richards, to announce to their Columbia, respective ships* companies. 3. The charge for that quarter was as follows : — "Satelhte" " Plumper" £ .V. d. 2,253 H 8 1,118 11 7 £3,.S72 () 3 1" 4 I 'V li •t ■ ■■> i !•. , h.ive already liquidated one-third of tiiat sum ; I pronosf to pay a second in.'talment very shortly, and th ? third will be paid as soc- as ci'cu.nstances permit. i>. Had the extra allowance been limited to the ships' companies, the ainouiit ot pay would have l)ccii moderate ;, but apnlving as it I'id to the captain and officers, the charge became an intolerable burden on orr liniited income, Oiid to me a source of ceaseless No. 34. KncWurc. Encloiurc in No. a4. trouble and anxiety. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMKS DOl'GLAS, Governor. Sec. &c. &c. No. 34. C '. of DESPATCH from Governor Dojglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Nc. .liO.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December 7, 1858. {Received Jniviary 29, 1859.) SiB, (Answered No. 17, February 8, 1859, p. 79.) 1. I HAVE the honour of transmitting herewith copy of a letter lately addressed to me by the Agents of the Hudson's Bay Company residing at this place, setting forth the claims of the Company to certain tracts of land coimected with their several trading establishments in British Columbia, which they have occupied for many years, and improved by settlement and otherwise at much expense. 2. Her Majerty's Government may probably consider that the Hudson's Bay Company have acquired rigiits to the soil through permissory occupation and improvement, as well as by the public services which the Company have rendered to the country, and may therefore meet their claims in a spirit of judicious liberality, especi'dly as the settlement of the Company's possessory rights in Oregon, resting on the construction of the third article of the Treaty of the 17th of July 1846 with the United St.tes of America, '■ ill probably be influenced by the decision of Her Majestj-'s Govc.nment in allowing or disallowing the possessory rights of the Company in British Colu.nbia. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. kc. Enclosure in Is'o. 34 Coi'Y of Letter from John Wokk and 'Duc.m.d McT.witsii, Chief Factors, Hudson's Bay Company, to Governor Douglas, dated Fort Victoria, Vancouver's Island, November 7", 1858. Sir, Wk beg to call your Excellency's attention to the following list of claims to lai"l in British Columbia, which we consider as belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company, and trust tLat their title to the same will eventually be confirmed by Her Majesty's Government. 1. Old Fort Langley. U, New Fort Langley and adjacent faims. ;!. Point at the Forks of Smess River. 4. Point at the Forks of Harrison's River. 5. Fort Hope, with cleared land adjoiring, especially block No. 1 on official map of the town, which encroaches on the fort. (). Fort Yale, portion marked "reserve," and block XVH. on official m:ip of the town. 7. Fort Pallas. 8. Fort ai Kamloops, known rs T'lompson's River, with lands adjacent. 9. Fort Douglas. 10. Fort Shepherd on t):e Columbiia River, with adjoining lands. 11. Fort in the Kootana.s Countrj, if north of the 49th par-.Uel. PAPERS RELATING TO BtllTISH COLUMBIA. 45 cc to their ay •* second )eimit. ouiit ot pay s, the charge J of ceiiseless GLAS, Governor. B. Lyttos, ;r 7, 1858. 79.) addressed to ing forth the 'eral tradinjj ' years, and ay Company nent, as well ry, and may e settlement of the third America, '• ill allowing or GLAS, Liovernor. ' Company, to 158. iH in British their title to 3 town, wiiich \i, The various posts in New (,'alednnia belotiKin^ to the t'onipany, and othor point.-, iilonjj Itir route from Fort Hope to Thompson's River and N«^w Caledonia, not permanently occupied but improved by the sowing of grass seeds. 13. Fort Simpson with lands adjoining, 14, Fort McLaughlin, Vour Hlxcellency is no doubt aware, that wc are unable at i)r<>-(enl more particularly to define the limits of the Company's claims, i)ut we hope the foregoing stnteme-.it is s-urticiently explicit for flie authorities to act upon until accurate surveys ran be made of the whole. We have, &u. (Signed) .loii.v Work, Di'(;ai.d Ma( rwisM, Chief Factors, Hudson's Hay Company. liltlTIAII COLI'MBIA. No. 3.5. Copy of DESPATCH from (jovernor Douola,s to the Right Hon. Sir 1'-. B. Lytion, Bart. (No. 51.) Victoria, Va-icouver's Island, December ll, 18,58. (Rcccivoil .ranimry 29, 18.59.) Sin, (Aiiswcrecl No. 'J?, February 12, IHV.), p. HO. , 1. SiNCK my report of the 30tli of November on the state of British Columbia, tlicie has been a change in the weather from mild to cold ; the mercury fell on the .'>tli of instan' to 12° Fahrenheit ; there have been several falls of snow to the depth of ten inches, and Frazer's River from Langley to Point " Aitch Bee Cce " is frozen over and impassable for ships. The river above Langley was by last accounts also frozen, and winter fairly set in, though at an untisnally early season of the year. 2. No accounts from J.,angley have, in con.sequence of the cold weather, been received here for the last week ; but the weather being now milder, two steamers are preparing to leave to-day with freight and passengers for that place, and it is hoped they will succeed in forcing a passage through the ice. 3. We have had no tidings from Fort Yale since the 25tli of November last ; the weather was then mild, but exceedingly wet, and the miners doing little in consequence of the state of the weather; others of that class were, nevertheless, still moving onwards hy the river with goods and provisions for the upper country. 4. The country was then generally in a state of tranquillity. 5. The American steamer "Pacific" left this place on the 4th of instant with 400 passengers, princijjally returning miners for the Port of San Francisco. The export of gold dust by that vessel was reported to be ten thousand oimces, exclusive of a large amount in ; rivate hands. li. Ar. export Uity on gold would now yield a respectable amount of revenue, and together with the duties levied on imports, would probably yield an income of 100,000/. per annum. 7. With some as3istance from Parliament in the outset, either by way of loan or as a free grant, the Colony will soon emerge from its early difficulties and defray all its own e.\Den'-es. 3. This lias hitherto been accomplished without assistance from any quarter, as I have not yet drawn upon you for any expenditure incurred in the Colony, which have all, nevertheless, been paid. 9. I cannot, however, undertake immediately to defray the cost of the detachment of Royal Engineers appointed for the protecuon of the country, as a large sum must this year be providsd for the erection of the many public buildings so much need in British Columbif:. 10. I propose building a small church and parsonage, a court-hcise, and gaol imme- diately at Langley, ani' to tlefray the expense out of the proceeds ari.;ing from the sale of town lands there. 11. The mail steamer is expected in to-night, but will probably leave again immediately afterwards for San Francisco, allowing no time for replying to letters by the .same mail. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Biut. Governor. &c. &c. &c. F 3 No. Si. i 5i '(i M R t '■ Iw '■■ -J ^A Iv ll* ^w 1 40 I'APEKS RELATINCJ TO BIUTISH COLUMBIA. r^OI.I'MHIA. No. aii. H I L l! No. 36. "' C'oi'Y of DKSl'A'rC'H Croni (iovernor Douolah to the Iliglit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Hart. (No. .52.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December 124, 18.')8. Sin, (Hccoived February 12. 18)9.) 1. In consequence of tlie return of mild weather the ice on Frazer's River has broken up, and vessels are again plying with goods and passengers between this place and Fort Langle} . ','. The steamers " Santa Cruz " and " Beaver " lately returned from thence, wiih n])wards of .'JOU passengeis from the mining districts, and, as reported on good authority, 7,;1K) ounces of gold iliist, exclusive of the sums in the hands of miners. .'{. 'I'he passengers who arrived by those vessels suffered much jjrivation on tlioii' journey to Fort Lanuley, in conseipience of tiie freezing ol' tin; river about 1() miles above that \)\nvv, where they were detained by ice, and im])rudently attemjjted to make their way through the woods to Fort Langley, without the precaution of taking guiilcN or food, or, in short, providing in any manner for their own comfort or safety, '["lie poor (t'llows soon lost tlieir \yay, and after wandering for several days through the pathless l()rest, were nearly perishing of cold and hunger, before they could be rescued from their perilous situation. ■I. Those j)eople, who were principally returning miners, complain bitterly of the cold, and appear physically disqualified by the enervating effects of a long residence in Call- fornia tor the more rigorous climate of British Columbia. ."J. The reports trom the upper coinitry are favourable, confirnn'ng all our previous opinions of the great mineral wealtii of the interior of British Columbia. The want of roads and difliculty of access are still the great impediments to the development of the mineral wealth of that region. (■). 'Hie. Harrison's River Road is, after an endless deal of trouble and anxiety, from the want of honest and able men to carry out the plans of Government, fairly open to traffic, and its advantages will be of incalculable value to the country. We have had a town site laid out or, that road at Port Douglas, and have caused town lots, of the usual size, to be issued uiiu-^r leases to all persons wishing to build there for the present winter, and about 70 of those lots are occupied. 7. Some specimens of gold, procured by sluicing on Harrison's. River, have lately come into my possession, adding force to the opinion that the country in that quarter is probably not greatly inferior to Frazer's River itself as an auriferous district. 8. Bridge River is now the favourite gold district, specirr, ms of copper and a small specimen of silver now in my possession having recently been brought from that part of the country. y. Mr. Commissioner Travaillot's last report from "Lytton" (forks of Thompson's River) is dated the 7th of December. There wa: then a very slender stock of food in his district, and provisions were selling at a high price; but there was a prospect of speedy relief, as supplies of flour and other articles of food were beginning to arrive by the Harrison's River Road. 10. Many of the white miners had, nevertheless, left the country in despair of being able to get through the winter without suflFering much privation, and those who remained behind were peaceable and well conducted. Their conduct towards the Indian popu- lation, and of the latter to the whites, had been good, and no serious difficulty had occurred since the month of October. 11. The police had, in one instance, met with resistance on a mining bar above Lytton, from a party of miners, who sought to protect a person named D. Brown, charged with a criminal offence ; but they succeeded, after a hard fight, in capturing the criminal, who, with four of his friends, had posted themselves in a log house for defence. Brown was severely wounded in the struggle, and is not yet recovered. 12. This is the first and only instance of open resistance to the law that I have had to record in British (Columbia, suid I am glad to say the police did their duty faithfully on the occasion. IS. Mr. Travaillot's statement of public receipts and expenditures exhibits a deficit of nearly 100/. against his district, and he remarks that in the present state of things a more favourable res'.-.Ic could hardly be expected. Food of a'l kinds has been scarce and dear, and the sources of supply at a great distance from the mining bars , the tniners were therefore kept continually travelling to and fro to procure subsistence, thereby exhausting their money as well as their physical energies in extremely fatiguing journies over a rugged country, carrying loads of from 80 to 100 I'Al'EKS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 47 poundi* on their backs, and latterly, tlic cold wcatlier, tliu tlieimonicter liavinic Killcii fo 10" Kiilneiilifit, had compelled the miners to suspend work allofrether. In sneli circiini- jUiices, the licence fees could not be entorceil with advantage to tiie public revenue. H. J'Ikmc is nothint; further of much iniport;ince to comnuniicalt' res|)ectint,' tiic affairs of Mr. Travaillot's district. \j. I have also lately received satisfactory accoimts from the District of Fort \ak'. Mr. llick.s, the A.ssi.stant Commissioner, havinj; (ailed in carrviuf^ out his iustruetions li)r collecting; the mining licence lee, ami being delicienl in nerve tor the posilinn he liolils it is my intention immediately to remove him, and to appoint Mr. Inspector IJrew to the office he now holds as As.sistanl Conunissioner of Crown Lands. It). This arrangement will not interfere materially with Mr. Brew's other duties, while tome it will aH'ord an incalculable degree of relief, as I can implicitly rely on .Mr. Brew'.s (iminess and integrity. 17. I forward for your information three numbers of the ^'ietoria (Ja/ette, whieii contain the latest reports from the mining districts, and on that accoiuit may be loinul interesting. I have, &c. (Signed) JAMKS DOUCiLAS, The Right lion. Sir L. B. Lytton, Bart. Governor. &c. &c. &c. ItlllTIIH Cul.l MBU. No. 37. Copv of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, No. 37 Bart. (No. 56.) ISM. Sir, Victoria, Vancouver's Island, l^cccii^her (ItecfivtMl l-'olirimry 1'8. IHJi).) (Aniiwi'icd, No. 48, April It, IH.'Ap. H2.; Youii Despatch, No. 30, of the Kith October, I have perused with the greatest interest and attention. I acknowledge with gratitude the cflcctivc steps which you have taken to su|)port my authority, and the various measures which you have adopted to aid me in the arduous task of organizing the government of the Colony. In a former communication to you, I mentioned the arrival in this Colony of Admiral Baynes in his flag-ship the " Ganges," and I recal with pleasure the cordial and hearty manner in which he entered into my views, and lent to their execution ;ill the support in his j)ower. He remained in this Colony upwards of two months, and sailed for Valparaiso on the 22nd instant; the "Tribune" and " Pylades," ordered from China to this station, being then daily expected here, thougii the two latter vessels have not yet arrived. I liave, therefore, in obedience to your instructions in reference to this ])oint, to report to you that Her Majesty's ships " Satellite" and " Plumper" are the only Queen's ships at present in this harbour, and that as yet no ships designed for the especial .support of the civil government have arrived here. That statement is not made with the view of urging any complaint of neglect, as you will observe, by my correspondence with Admiral Baynes bef()re his departure, tiiat with the force at my disposal I did not apprehend any immediate danger of tlie authority of Government being set at nought, especially as the "Tribune "and " Pylades" were known to be on their way to this Colony ; at the same time I represented to him the great importance of having a respectable naval force collected here in sjiring, w!'en a very large immigration for British Columbia may be looked for, aiul I rely on his taking liie necessary measures to assemble that force in this neighbourhood before the emergency presents itself. My anxiety to avoid making exaggerated demands on you for military assistance has probably led me into the opposite extreme of asking for too small a number of troops, and 1 admit the wisdom of the course you have taken in completing the present n;ilitary force intended for the service of this Colony to 1.50 men, instead of the number .u^geslod in my letter. It is certainly advisable in the actual state of the country to err on the safe side, and to maintain a respectable military force, in order that the power as well as the dignity of tin- British Government may be represented. However efi'ective an undisciplined civilian force may be found in a wcll-iegidatcd community of persons, bound to their country and institutions by the ties of early asso- F 4, Knclosure. Kiic!(wiirt'. 48 I'APKUS UKLATIN(J TO HRITISH COLUMBIA. ■ ■'. » 'N'E n n Ukitidh CuLVHHU. ciHtion and uti'cctiun, the sainu I'orce would, I apprelieiid, prove inmitlicicnt to mainttin law :uui order in Brititli Coliimbiu, amon^ iin alien population compoNcd of nil nations. I uratefullv appreciate the unceasing care and pains which you have devoted to the liUHtening of the necessary preparations for the departure of the main body of the troops, and of the instalinents ot '20 and 1'.^ men under Captains Parsons and Grant, who, I Km f^lad to say, are in good health and spirits, and busily engaged at this present time in erecting houses for themselves and the main body of Kngineers at Fort Langley. I have perused with great attention your remarks indicating the policy you wish tu be observed in the employment, and explaining the objections to the use of a Royal military force in the collection of revenue, and as my own views on those subjects accord in all respects with the instructions in your Despatch, I will not fail in carrying them iiiliy into cftect. In no instance have we resorted to the employment of a military force, except when the civil power was fomul insutticient to ensure obedience to the law, and even in those cases it was regarded as subsidiary to the ordinary means of enforcing obedience. • *•••• I have had much communication with Mr. Brew on the subject of forming an effective police for service in British Columbia. He proposed that u force of 150 men should be immediately raised and disciplined, but on making an estimate of the expensi>, assuming as diita a rate of wages below what is given to ordinary labourers in the gold districts, the expense appeared to be so large, that I withheld my assent until I should have time to consult and receive your instructions on the subject. With the small police which has been hitherto maintained in British Columbia we have succeeded, through the blessing of God, and with the aid of the well disposed inhabitants, in bringing all offenders to justice, and in maintaining u remarkable degret" of quiet and good order. It is therefore unnecessary, for the purposes of security, to increase that force imtil the increase of ])opulation in spring, and thus it becomes a question whether, in the meantime, it wotdu not be advisable to request Her Majesty's Government to send out at once a body of 60 of the Irish Constabulary Force, furnished with their proper arms and equipments, and who would thus be ready for service the moment they arrived in the country. Tile advantages of that plan arc important, as it would in the first place lead to a great saving of expense in the pay and equipment of the force ; and secondly, the force would be perfectly reliable in every emergency. With that body of men as a nucleus, and spare arms and equipments fur 100 more, the police force could be recruited in the country, though with a less reliable element, to any desirable extent. I will request Mr. Brew to state his opinion on that subject, and will forward the same to you, with any suggestions relative thereto that may occur to him. I trust that the plan may meet with your approval, and tiiat you will direct it to be carried into ettiect. There is every reason to believe that a well-constituted constabulary force, with a sufficient staff of stipendiary magistrates, supported by the co-operation of the well- disposed inhabitants, the military force intended for the country, and the naval force on the seacoast, will furnish in all ordinary cases the requisite protection to life and property. Should there be reason to alter that opinion, either in consequence of the deportment of the white population or of collision with tile Indians, I will not fail to ask for additional reinforcements ; but for tiie present, provided we have the means above descril'ed, I think such unnecessary. I would hardly venture to give a decided opinion on the subject of recruiting a regular military force from the gold diggers of the Colony, as the men taking service would probably be composed of the idle and worthless classes ; but to secure the services of the active adventurers I fear a very high rate of pay, not less than 12s. day, including rations, would be an indispensable condition in the outset, and the great expense of such a force, together with its unreliable character, would be an almost insuperable objection to maintaining it in the field. The practical and skilful men for cavalry and artillery drill sent out with Colonel Moody, and who are intended to form a nucleus for such additional military force as may be required and formed in the Colony, will be of the greatest possible service should any such contingency arise. I have further to state, in reply to your communication, that I have carefully perused your instructions providing for and suggesting how to meet the unforeseen exigencies in the Colony as they may arise, and shall attend to those instructions. We shall als to make all sii yfety and devel at (it the probal instant, 1 I'stin that the import duty on gold a also, I trust, )ii' 111 lio|)C's of bcii Your iippiovi River Road, is ( The real imp no doubt the i would soon wor thing in my pow mineral region ; River fiom the ! the country for from ice in wint interior country, the inhabitants, summer. Other routes last summer by some months a{ snow, and they In conclusion your closing re t'aculty to cany shall rely with c The Right H cVc. Copy of a Letter Sir, I iiKc to ac( for the southern pc Your Exfellencj India niul China, supernumerary ma In the event of i "Pylades," the sen with your Exceller maintain the tranq nie im])ortance I hesitate in carryi no apprehension ol meet any exigenc; necessary for the p shall endeavour to Copy of a Letter Sin, I IIAVK to a information that yo alluding to the exj India and China, t event of your not e II. PAPERS UKLATINO TO IIRITISII COLUMBIA. to We uliiill aiNo ciulciivoiir to nettle all preliminary )|ue.HtiunH of law and police, und to make nil snitaltlc preparations for tin- expectid imiiii^'ration in spring, ami tiir the wffty iiii'l development of the Colony, and Torwanl any tnrtlier in(()rmation we may arrive at ot the probable revenne on wliieli we may ealcidate. In my Letter No. 5, of the 1 Itli instant, I estimated the revenne tor the coming year at l(»o,(HH)/. sterling, assinning that llie import jiuty on goods wonM yiilil the snm of 8(),(H)()/., and a proposed export duty on gold about 'J(>,()()0/.; in all l(K),(i()0/. per aninnn. 'I'he sale of pnlilic land will also, I trust, yield a considerable reveime, as well as ndniiig and other fees, so that 1 am III hopes of being able, after the (irst year, to pay all our own expenses. Your approval of the great enterprise of the year, the opening of the IIarri.son'!i River Road, is exceedingly uratilying to mc. The real impediment to the development of the mineral region of Uritish C'olumbiu is no doubt the difficulty of access to it. l'assal)le roads and means ol cheaji transport would soon work u wonderful revolution in the state of the country. I have done every- thing in my power to remove the obstacles of route, and to improve the access to the mineral region ; but much remains to be done. A road through the valley of Frazer's River from the scacoast to the forks of Thompson's River is urgently wanted, to open the country for settlement, for hind travel, when the river is either flooded, or impassable I'roni ice in winter, and for driving live stock of all kinds to and from the seacoast and interior country. That great work is in |)art accomplished, through the co-operation of the inhabitants, und, with your approval, we may finish it before the close ot next summer. Other routes into the remote interior may be ojicned by Howe's Sound, explored last summer by Mr. McKay, and by Jarvis Inlet, where I also sent an exploring party some months ago, but who tliiled in crossing the mountains, which were covered with snow, and they were compelled to return unsuccessful. In conclusion, I beg to assure you that I deeply appreciate the extreme kindness of your closing remarks, and you may rest assured that I will not fail in exerting every faculty to carry out the views of Ilcr Majesty's (Jovernment, and in the meantime, I shall rely with confidence on your aid and support. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &:c. &c. &c. (joveruor. nniTiiin Cull Mill*. Enclosure 1 in \o. 87. Cory of a Letter from Rear-Admirp' Uayni s, dated "(iaiiges" in Esquimalt Harbour, December 7, Eofloturc ila 1808, to Governor Uor(;i,As. Nu. 37. Sir, I mu: to acquaint your Excellency, that I propose leaving Vancouver's Island in the "(ianges," for the southern ports of the station, some time this nioiitli. Your Kxi'elk'iicy is aware that the " Py lades" und "Triliune" are on thi' way to fliis place from India and China, and may hourly lie expected, the latter having on hoard a small party of supernumerary marines. In the event of my not seeing them before I sail I shall leave orders for Captain I)e Courcy of the "Pylades," the senior officer, or in his absence the senior Captain, to place themselves in communication with your Excellency, and to carry out, as far as they can, your wishes in order to uphold the laws and maintain the tranquillity of the Colonies. 'Hie importance of Vancouver's Island and British Columbia demand my earnest cnnsideration, and I hesitate in carrying out my intentions unless I am a.'-ured by your Excellency that you are under no apprehension of any outbreak, that you consider the lorce placed at your (hsposal as sutlicient to meet any exigency you think likely to occur, and that you do not deem the presence of my iiag necessary for the preservation of that good order you have so hap|)ily estahlished in both Colonies. 1 shall endeavour to returu to Esquimalt immediately ciicumstances will permit. I have, itc. (Signed) II. Lamiit. Havnks, Rear- Admiral and Commander-in-Chief. Enclosure 2 in No. 37. Copy of a Letter from Governor Doit.i.as, dated Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December If., 1, ''58, Eiic/hiurc2iQ to Rear-Admiral Bayxks. No. 37. Sin, I iiAVK to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, communicating for my information that you propose leaving Vancouver's Island in the Ganges, some time this month, and also alluding to the expected arrival of the "Pylades" and "Tribune" now on the way to this place from India and China, the latter having on board a small body nf supernumerary Marines, and that in the event of your not seeing them before you sail, you will leave orders for Captain De Courcy, or in his II. G 00 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. British jibscncp to the senior Captain to place themselves in communication with me, .and to carry out ag far CoLCMiiu. as they can my wishes in oidei to uph(il stro;ig dislike sy.'Stem might i peace. .5. There ar< of revenue, su unsuccessful n to the extensiv 6. I shall n( respects the ex cf mining requ 7. My atten your Despatch The expedic features, antl o effects in Victc and we should in details, but proved so proli surrender of tl 8. The imp would, it is fe£ diverting the < legislation to frontier towns. The miners payment of th coming direct 9. We have will neverthel replace them 1 miners in the 10. It may subject which my Executive other officers PAPEIS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 51 iTV out iw far L" Cdldliit's. IIS rcfrnrds tlio iliiinc" lie not "11 tlic station 11 tho Colonics : is impossible station to tlip eiii I'xprosspil, i'olCl- LMJllal to s Dowci.As, er"s Island and iliinibia. B. Lytton, QS, 1858. ■ 3'2,* of tlu> iiiiiioiincing -M- witli your ouiitry, as it to diffuse a on belialt'of and beiic'fi- LS, joveinor. B. Lytton, 29, 1858. I « Private," i respecting 1 Columbia, expected to iccssavy that 1 so inuci) to y's appoint- or the town i'er's Island, lui iiset'iil in iiig officers. S, lovernor. . .' ■ British No. 40. COLTMU. No. 40. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Dougl.\s to the lliglit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 63.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, December 30, 18JS. Sib, (Ui'ceived Fclininry 2S. IH.V.l) 1. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, marked Confi- •swp»ne«- dcntial,* of the IJth of October last, in which you have been pleased to fiivonr me with otvan i. the impressions derived from the peru.sal of the regulations framed ibrtlie management of the goldfields in British Columbia, and it is not without reason that I now express the deepest sense of obligation for the searching investigation which you have given to that subject. 2. I was sensible from the outset of the arduous nature of the task of framing regu- lations so perfectly adapted for a comparatively unknown country as to be unobjectionable, especially for a country situated as is British Columbia, in the close vicinity of a powerfid state, whose inhabitants would for a time at least form the great Iiulk of the population. 3. It was to establish a legal control over the adventmers who were rushing from all jides into the country, to anticipate their own attempts at legi.siatioii, and to accustom them to the restraints of lawful authority, that I prepared and issued the gold regulations. I am therefore not wedded to the established system, as I hardly ventured to iiope that it would be found in all respects so well adapted to the pec ^)le and the country as to form the peimanent mining code of British Columbia. 4. No serious objection has been cdered by the miners to that section of the law which regulates the size of mining claims; but there has been, and 1 fear always will exist a strong dislike to the payment of a monthly licence fee, ami the enforcement of that system might ultimately lead, as it did in Australia, to fatal interruptions of the public peace. .5. There are several other objections to the monthly licence fee considered as a sotu'ce of revenue, such as the cost of collection, its ecjual pressure upon the jirosperous and unsucces,sful miner, and its frequent evasion ; objections which a|)ply with peculiar force to the extensive and hardly accessible gold ilistricls of British Columbia, 6. I shall not fail to consider with care your suggestions, and to revise the law ns it respects the extraction of gold by means of machinery from quart/ rocks and other classes cfniining requiring tlie large investment of capital. 7. My attention was in tact closely devoted to a revision of the gold regidation.s, when your Despatch on the subject was received. The expediency of abolishing the monthly licence fee, in consequence of its obnoxious featiu'es, and of introducing the system which has been foiinil to work with such happy effects in Victoria, was an idea naturally suggested by the consideration of the subject, and we should not have hesitated in adopting that system with, perhaps, some modification in details, but for the difficulty of dealing with the export duty on gold, which has proved so prolific a source of revenue in Victoria, as more than to compensate for the surrender of the monthly licence fees. 8. The imposition of a duty at present on the export of gold in British Columbia would, it is feared, be comparatively unproductive of revenue, besides having the efiect of diverting the course of trade, which it has been the hitherto successful object of all our legislation to retain within our own jjossessions, to Samiamoo and other American frontier towns. The miners returning with their gains to California would naturally seek to evade the payment of the duty, cross over the frontier, and take the road to those places, instead of coming direct to Victoria, which is now enriched by their visits. 9. We have, as yet, found no solution of this difficulty, but I am of opinion that it will nevertheless be advisable at once to to abolish the monthly licence fees, and to replace them by an annual payment, probably exceeding the payment aiuiualU levied on miners in the Colony of Victoria. 10. It may also be advisable to adopt the other features of the Victorian system, a subject which will have my early and anxious consideration, with the aid and advice of my Executive Council, which will be composed of Lieutenant-Governor .Moody and the other officers who have lately arrived from England. G 2 I 59 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. British U. ft will be our study to frame sucli regulations as will ■•ive satisfaction to the people Columbia, at large, and to create a public revenue, with the smallest possible amount of pressure on the trade and resources of the country. I iiave, &c. (Signed) J.AMES DOUGLAS, The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bait. Governor. &c. &c. &c. No. 41. Enclonurc 1. No. 41. Copv of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 65.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, January 6, 18.59. (Ucceivcil February 28, 1859.) Sir, (Answered No. 32, March 15, 1859, p. 81.) I HAVE the honour of transmitting herewith a copy of a General Order of Couit issued by Mr. Justice Begbic, dated 27th December last, with copies of two letters, cx- ])lanatory of his reasons for admitting as a temporary arrangement members of the American bar to plead in the Courts of British Columbia. In the absence of members of the English bar to take out the proper writs and to conduct cases, there would otherwise be no one to point out to defendants the most efficacious mode of defence, a duty which the judge wouhi be called on to perform, and therefore to act both as adviser and judge. He despaired under those circumstances ^f giving satisfaction to the suitors and of maintaining the desirable high character of a British Court of Law. For those reasons I yielded to his wishes, and agreed that the concession in favour of American lawers should remain in force for six months, but not longer, unless there be a positive necessity, from the absence of English practitioners, of again resorting for a time to a like expedient. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. Enclosure 1 in No. 41. Enclosure I in No. 41. CouHT OF British Columdia. Oitnr.R or Corur. \ViiKnv;.\s, by a Proclamation under the Public Seal of the said Colony, issued at Victoria, V. I., the 24th day of December, I, Matthew Paillic IJegbie, Judge in the said Court, am authorized, while resident in Victoria, Vancouver's Island, to make General Rules and Orders of Court in the same maimer and of the same force and validity as if I were resident in British Columbia. I. It is ordered, 'Diat all the Rules and Orders of Court of the Supreme Court of Civil Justice of Vancouver's Island of the 12th day of February ISHI, as altered and modified by the General Rule or Order of the 2Cth April 18")>S shall be observed in civil proceedings in the Court of British Columbia 80 far as the same are, from local and other circumstances, applicable, and so far as the same are not discharged, modified, or altered by this or some future Order or Rule of Court. II. Wherever the town of Victoria is named in the said General Orders of the 12th of February 1S.'")7 and the 26th of April l^^'iS as the place at which any act is to be done, or any address to be fixed, the name of Langley shall bo sub'itituted for Victoria. III. Sessions of the Court for trial of all causes, civil and criminal, will be held four times in each year, commencing on the last Monday in January, the last Monday in April, the last Alonday in June, ami the last Monday in October in every year. IV. The same fees, poundage, and peniuisites shall be levied and paid on all proceedings, enrol- ments, and acts whatever in this Court as arc now of custom or otherwise levied and paid on the like prdcecdings, enrolments, and acts in the said Sujircmc Court of Justice in Vancouver's Island, and all such fees, poundage, and perquisites shall be applied in the same manner and propoi lions as in the Court of Vancouver's Island, iniitutis miitmidis. V. There may be enrolled as Barristers of the said Court, — 1st. Any person who has been called or is ([ualitied to l)e called to practise at the English or Irish bar, or as an Advocate in Scotland, or who has taken the degree of Doctor of Laws at any University in tlie United Kingdom. 2d. Any jjcrson who may be instructed within the Colonics of British Columbia or Vancouver's Island in the knowledge and practise of the law by any practising barrister of the said Court, subject to such regulations as may hereafter be by law established within the Colony in relation to persons so to be instructed. VI. There may Ist. AD person Courts in ) i ,-'la Scotland. 2d. AH persons Islaml in the kno Court, subject, ne to persons so to 1 Anil whereas t of Law in Knglai act either as a ba to the signet, or s and expedient for admitted to appea temporary provisi VII. There in persons of goix attorney, or solicit Majesty's Doir.ini United States of ! in force after the by further order o shall hv force of June 1859. There shall be of 10s. VIII. Every p( desire to the rcgi or deputy registr; statement of his i hereto. After ap on the proper roll a British subject, successors. And Majesty's doniiui subject, other\vis( shall l>e erased ac attonieys when tl the time being en IX. Except the on hehalf of ny But nothing in thi in person. X. The right < enrolled attornevs on each roll. 'I'll of the (IJourt. Bi on the roll before XI. All perso; same manner as : Any jierson on ei Excellency the Ci XII. Until fui as attorneys and s XIII. Thomai ViiiK iiuvcr's Isla Biitoli (.'oliinibia, XIV. Until fi to ask and rccovc mav be deniande and reniuiiera ioi Westminster. I, A.B., of advocate) duly a that I was called of 1 am a British h( (a) Variation Society of to the bar by thf PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. .53 > the people pressure on r.LAS, joveriior. }. L YTTON, ' 6, 18.5i}. 81.) er of Court letters, ex- bers of the vrits and to its tlio most lerform, and mstances -if aracter of a in favour of s tliere be a g for a time jLAS, jovernor. ictoria, V. I,, lorizwl, while same maiinor vil Justice of iieral Rule or ish Columbia same are not of February address to be mes in each iday in June, dings, cnrol- d on tlie like dand, and all ons as in tlic glish or Irish y University I Vancouver's 'ourt, subjett to persons so VI. Tliere may be enrolled as Attorneys and .'•'olicitors of the said Court, — Ist. All i)crsons entitlerncys, solicitors, or proctors in any of Iler Majv-sfy's Courts in J i:,,dand or Ireland, or as writers to the signet or solicitors to the Supreme Coiirlsin Scotland. 2(i. All persons who may be infifructed within the said Colonies of British Columbia or Vancouver's Island in the knowledge •mkI practise of the law by any practising solicitor and attorney of the >aid Court, subject, nevertheless, to any regidations whicli may hereafter be by law established in relation to persons so to be instructed. And whereas there is at present only one person in \'ictoria qualified to act as a barrister in a ( 'oiu- of Law in England, and there is no other person resident in either of tbesaid two Colonics (pialitied to act either as a barrister, attorney, solicitor, or proctor in England or Ireland, or as an advocate, writer to the signet, or solicitor to the Su])renie Courts in Scotland, and it would be convenient for suitors, and expedient for tlie satisfactory administration of justice, that a larger nundu-r of persons sboidd be admitted to appear and .ict as of counsel for litigants aiul accused persons, and it is expedient to niaiu' temporary provision for ,i supply of such counsel, I do further order as follows, vi/.: — VII. There may be enndled, cm a temporary roll, as attorinns and sidicitors of this ( 'ourt all such persons of good repute, learning, and discretion as are entitled to practise cither as a barrister, attorney, or solicitor, 1st, in tlie (,'ourts of Justice in Guernsey, .lersi'y, or in any other ])art of Her Majesty's Dominions not being within the United Kingdom; or i?d, in the Su])renie Courts of the United .States of North America. Hut no temporary enrolment imder this present order ^liall coutiuue in force after the SOtli of June 1859, unless the same shall in the meantime be extended and continued bv further order of this Court. Aniation mav be demanded according to the practice of the Superior Courts of Westminster. And all Mich fees and remuiiera ion may be charged at double the rates allowed in taxation in the .Superior Courts of Westieinster. Britisii Coi.r'MniA. SCHEDULE, (A.) — Form of Dkclauatiox by B.vnnrsitns. I, A.H., of , do solemnly and sincei.iy d'clare that {(rive just the same pecuniary advantages from their clients as if they had a recognized status, vot feel discontented at not being able to occupy a recognized position openly. They avoid much of the responsibility which would attach to their conduct if they were enrolled officers of the Court, lu :\'r the summary control of the judge. They are of less assistance to the Court than they would be if allowed to explain their views orally. And the most incompetent has an easy answer to excuse his failure, viz., that certiiin points escaped the notice of the judge, whiidi (says the pleader) had I been jUowed to address the Court I could easily have made clear. I do not see how to prevent this unlicensed practice, unless by calling licensed practitioners into existence. The others will then naturally expire ; besides that there will be a supervision exercised oter them by the recognized list. It does not ajipear to me that this question should be argued at all upon the ground of any privileges to be reserved to Hritisb subjects. 'I he whole matter has been a good deal ventilated of late years in England, and it is now very well understood that advocates have certain privileges secured to them, nut by reason of any merit of birth or money [laynient, but for the public good, which is considered to he best secured by inaintainiiig a certain highly educated class of men in the exclusive study of the law, to which they would not confine themselves except a certain status and certain privileges were reserved to them. Hut the argument all along assumes that some order of advocates known to and under the control of the Court is necessary for the public convenience. Xow here, tbere being no English barristers or attorneys, it seems expedient to take the best that can be got, and to secure that they shall be contented, or at least have no reasonable ground of discontent, so that they may be inclined to good order, and under the control of the Court (which at jiresent they are not), so as to induce them to act carefully. The strictness of the rule here requiring all practitioners to be British subjects is contrasted unfavourably by citizens of France and of the United States of North America with that in their own countries, where no peri-ni is refused permission to practise on the sole ground of his being an alien. And no British subject could complain of hardship here if the rule bo relaxed, and on the other hand there is a g.eat hardship at present u])on all persons, whether British subjects or not, and whether in or out of the colony, who have litigation to attend to, for they must personally attend to every step, important or unimportant, there being no person whom the judge or the registrar (an attend to or recognize as the attorney of any litigant. I have, therefore, to submit a Draft Order of Court as a temporary measure to regulate the enrolment of aliens as attorneys of the Court, which 1 have prepared and sent into your Excellency's office. I have, &c. (Signed) Matthkw B. Bcubie. nRiTisn CoLUUIIlA.. No. 42. Copv of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 08.) Victoria, Vancoiiver'.s Island, January 8, 1859. (Received February 28, 1859.) Sir, (Answered, No. 48, April 11, 1859, p. 82.) 1. Intelligknce arrived iiere last night from Mr. Justice Whannell, of Kort Yale, reporting that lie iiad met with serious opposition in the discharge of his official duties, from a party of gamblers and refugees from justice, who have collected about Hill's Bar and Fort Yale. riie jiarticuiars of the outrage are detailed in Mr. Justice Whannell's letter, written under great cxciteinent, yet correctly portraying the men we have to deal with. 2. '1 liey are reckless desperadoes, requiring the strong arm to curb them. Hitherto they iiave been very guarded in their conduct, and the present difficulty would not have occurred but for the attempt made to suppress gambling at Fort Yale, in consequence of the atrocious murder which Justice Whannell mentions in his letter as having been lately committed in one of those unhallowed resorts. 3. Mr. Hicks, who is weak rather than corrupt, was removed from office some time ago ; and Justice Pcrrier, who appears to have acted in the arrest of his brother magis- G 4 No. 42. ifi PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 1^ II British COM'BBIA. IT trate either under the influence of fear or frauJ, will also be struck off the list of ofhccrs. •J. No time will be lost in dealing witli tiiis case. Lieutenant-Governor Moody, \vh,j left this place some days ago on a visit to Fort Luiigley, will, as lie states in a letter which I have this hoiu- received from him, at once proceed with a force of 2/5 Engineers, uiulur Captain (irant's command, to Fort Yale, accompanied by Judge Begbie. Tliis admirable promptitude on the part of ('oloncl Moody will be attended with tlic hai)))icst, effects, anil I shall immediately despatch a force of .'")() Marines and a body of I'olicc, under Mr. Brew's command, to reinfbre Colonel Moody's party. 5. The case will be thorougidy investigated, and the decision of the Law Courts will be carried out to the letter. Ci. Justice Whannell was not properly supported by the Fort Yale Police, who fell away at the first appearance of danger, a fact showing that we cannot rely on a force raised from the mining po])ulation. I therefore would strongly urge that 150 instead of 60 men, as recommended in my Despatch, No. 50, of the 27th of December, of the Irish Constabulary Force, fully armed and equipped, should be shipped without delay for British Cohnnbia. Four munbers of the " Victoria Gazette " are forwarded herewith for your information. I write in haste to save the mail. I have, ike. (Signed) JAMES DOIKJLAS, 1 he Iliiilit Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (iovernor. ' ike. &c. &c. I No. 43. No. 43. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. 7G.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, Januarv 15, 1859. (UccL'ivcil Marcli 15, 1H59.)' Sin, (Answered No. 6;!, .M-iy 1 1, \8r,9, p. S7.) I iiF.G you will allow me to solicit your earnest attention to a subject which is of the highest importance to the progress and prosperity of the Colonies of Vancouver's Island and British Columbia. 2. I allude to the necessity which exists for the early construction of lighthouses upon some of the salient points of the approaches to the harbours and anchorages of these Colonies. 3. At the present moment, however, I will only mention two positions which are of the first im))ortance, and which the experience of every succeeding day renders more and more evident should be properly lighted at the earliest possible period. 4. The first of these is the Race rocks, situated in the strait of Fuca, betveen two and three miles from the mainland of Vancouver's Island, and about twelve miles from the harbour of Esquimalt. These rocks or rocky islets may be viewed as the turning point in the strait fo. ships bound to Vancouver's Island or to the Gulf of Georgia. They form a most dangerous cluster, and the making them out is not only an object anxiously sought, but it is one of essential help in the determination of position. They are mostly above water, and the largest of them would be found an admirable situation for placing a lighthouse. It has some considerable elevation above high-water mark, and the materials for building can be found in abundance close to the spot. The light at this position should be one of the first order. 5. The next spot upon which I would urge the establishment of a lighthouse is the Fisgard rocks at the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour, a harbour whose growing importance can scarcely be over-estimated. It is capacious and secure. Her Majesty's ships always re-sort to it; the Admiralty and military buildings are also there ;. and it is the harbour to which all vessels of large size must come, and consequently it must be the great depot of the t)ceaii traffic. The entrance being narrow, the background composed of high liills exhibiting no remarkable leading marks, and the coast line adjacent being rugged and full of indentations, the liaibour of Esquimalt presents no characteristic features to guide the mariner to its tranquil security. During the day the entrance is difficult enough to find to those possessing no previous knowledge of the locality, but at night the ilifhculties of distinguishing it are so great that the .attempt to enter the liarbour is never made except by those whose long acquaintance with the coast has rendered them intimately familiar with every peculiarity. The establishment of a light upon Fisgard Copy of DESl PAPERS RELATING TO HHITIMI COMMIT A. ^7 tllL" list of kfoody, who letter which iieers, under Jcil with the il a body of on Its will he ice, who fell on a force iO instead of of the Irish It delay for information. GLAS, (jovernor. 3. Lytton, 15, 1859. 87.) which is of Vancouver's honses upon ^es of these which are of emlers more !en two and les from the u'ning point They form :t anxiously y are mostly I for placing k, and the iglit at this lOuse is the importance ships always the harbour great depot ised of high ;ing rugged : features to is difficult It at night liarbour is dered them ion Fisgard rocks would at once unmistakeably point out the position of the harbour, and would render nccess to it or exit from it safe aiul easy al all times. 6. The navigation td' the strait of Euca, and of the iiduiui waters k'adin^r from it, is attended with no small amount of danger witiiout the valuable as.Mstance of lights. Thi> Government of the United States have already acted very ijroniptly and lil)erally in lijrhting their portion of the strait. They have placed a light of the (iist order upon Tatooch Island at the entrance of the strait, and vessels I'roni seaward arc now enabled to continue their course up the strait at all times. This light has a range of ','() miles, ami if a light of the first order were placed on the lliice rocks as I now sid)mit, and a light of an inferior order upon the Ei.sgard rocks, a vessel running up Euca Strait wouhl scarcely lose sight of the Tatooch light before she would discern the Itace light, idier rounding which she would perceive the Eisgard light, and thus be enabled to iiroceed into Esquimau Harbour without a check, and by such means valuable time woidd be saved and co.isiderable risk avoided. 7 The^ United States Government have also placed lights upon two other points in the •trail of Euca, — Dungeness, near the entrance to Puget Soinid, and vpou Smith's Ishmd, near to the southern termination of the Rosario Strait. The light at Tatooch Isl.nid is undoubtedly of equal advantage to the British possessions in this quarter of the globe as to tho.se of the United States ; the other lights are also useful, and I therefore coiu'eive that we are in honour bound to reciprocate the benefit. 8. lam not aware of any funds that may be appropriated for those objeci.;, nor do I know to what department of State I should properly ajiply for as.sislance ; the intaiil state of the two colonies precludes the possibility of their being able to helj) themselves, and the matter being one which it is manifest must materially affect their futine developmein, I trust yon will pardon me in bringing it before yon, and in earnestly soliciting your aid towards the accomplishment of the desired object. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. 13. Lytton, Hart. (Signed) JAMKS DOUGLAS, ike. &c. &c. Governor. No. ■14. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Dougi....^ to the Right Hon. Sir K. B. Lyttov, Bart. (No. 7''-) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, .faniiary 'II, IH'>\), (Kwcivcd Marcli 1"). l.S.lf).) ' 'SUi, (Answered, No. .'!9, i'Miircli L'4. I>*.'i!l. p. 81'.) 1. I HAVE lately received intelligenco from Mr. A.ssistant-Commissioner Travaillot, dated, " Lytton," Ifjtli December IS.OS, by which it appears that the miners in that district had generally suspended work, in consequent" of the coldness of the weather for the preceding twenty ihtys. 2. The rapid transitions in the temperature during that time were remarkable. On the 10th December the thermometer fell to zero, Fahrcidieit ; a change occurred on the evening of the 13tli, when the mercury rose to 18°, and up to the l!)tli it was ranging fioni -IG" to 52°, and not over half an inch of snow had fallen at " Lytton " or in the neighbouring district south of Erazcr's River previously to the lUlh December. 3. Erazcr's River was set fast with ice at several points, but not continuously, at and near " Lytton," and pack horses bad crossed in safety with their loads from sitle to side upon the ice; but that appears to have been rather a conseq'.ience of the quantity of drift ice from the upper part of the river accnmulating at those points, than from the degree of cold about " Lytton," the climate of which is pleasant and temperate, the weather being generally clear and dry in so remarkable degree, that from the iilth of August last there had not been, in all, more than 12 hours rain or snow up to the date of Mr. Tra- vaillot's letter (lOtli December). 1. The few miners remaining in the njjper coiu)try were well supplied with food by the Harrison's River Road ; and since my last report no difficulties w hatever had occurred, either with the white or Indian population. 5. Reports continue to arrive respecting the rich deposits of gold in ami about Bridgen River; a lump of pure gold, weighing one and a half ounce, was lately found in the deposits of that stream, and the gold generally is coarse and lumpy, not requiring quick- silver for its separation from the soil. 6. It is believed that men are able to make there from five to six dollars a day with the cradle, and that they will clear much larger sums by me:;ns of sluices; there will liiere- fore no doubt be a great rush of people to that part of the country in the spring. DltlTISIl ("I I >U1I \. <% Nu. 41. !■ .w I'APKRS RELATING TO BlUIISH COLUMBIA. nRITIBII Cor.l'MIIIA. No. 4.",. Jan. 11,13, !.'<, 17,20,22. No. 4C. ■ Page 87 Enclosure in No. 4C. 7. I Ikivc lately rt'ceivcd a .sample of goltl found at " Stonia," a point on Fra/cr's River, five miles beyond tlie Hudson's Ray Company'.s estal)lisluTieiit of Alexandria, about Ukj miles distant from the scaeoast ; and if is further suppo' id, on very probable nidiinds, that the whole course of the river to its sources in the Rocky Mountains contains deposits of }Zold. This idea, aj)plied to the tributaries of Fra/er's River as well as to the main stream, opens a dazzling prospect to the miner of tl": mast extensive {^old rcgidn in the world, and will .soon fill the country ' "th pcopi- wlii i it is mad., accessible by a system of pa;- ''le roads. 8. I herewitl. ..o myself the bono ot tbru ;• in specimens procured from Bridge River, Thor.jjv parts of the country which have been partial' e.\ 'h-t sp.ci.nen of gold, together with '. !; • ?r, Harrison's River, and other The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. &c. &c. &c. I hav (Signed) 'C, .)A\1KH DOUOLA.S, Governor. No. '15. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. 15. Lyttov, Bart. (No. 80.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, January 22, 1859. (Received .Maii'h 15, IH,:*).) Sill, (Answered, N(i. 3(j, i^Inrcli 22, isr>i), p. 82.) 1. The mail .steamer liaviuLi just arrived, and being about to leave agiiin almcst immediately for San Francisco, I hasten to communicate for /our information that letters arrived last night from Lieutenant-Ciovernor Moody, datei: Fori Yale, 17 ill of .lanuary, reporting that the difliciiltics at Fort Yale, 17th, Hill's Bar, were for th'- pre?':iit (jueilpil. Q. The Lieiitenant-Cjovernor has, nevertheless, ordered thedetachme t of Marines and Seamen from the " Satellite " and " Plumper " which I informed you had been forwarded by the latter vessel to Fort Langley, to proceed onwards to Fort Hope, whither tliev have gone in the steamer " Enterprise," to the number of 100 Seamen anil Mariius, hositles the company of Royal Engineers, which accompanied Colonel Moody. 3. The force is, therefore, capable of overwhelming any factious opposition that iiiav be ofl'ered to the enforcement of the laws. 4. The state of leeling among the miners generally is of the best description, and their numbers are now so much reduced, that the danger of any insurrectionary movement on their part is not imminent. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c- (jovernor. P.S.— I forward herewith numbers of the "Victoria (Jazette," of the dates as per margin. No. 4(). Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. 15. Lyttox, Bart. (No. 90.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, February I, 1859. (Received i^Inreh 2!), 1859.) '*'"' (An.swciCTl, No. 63, May 11, 1859, p. 87.) « iTH reference to my Despatch of the 1.5th ultimo. No. 76,* upon tiie subject of the erection of lighthouses upon two very important positions off the coast of Vancouver's Island, I have now the honour to submit to you herewith a very comi)lcte and valuable report upon the subject, which has kindly been made to me, in accordance with mv request, by Captain Richards, of Her Majesty's ship " Plumper," together with tracings of the line of coast, exhibiting the exact positions upon which the lights should be placed. I have, &c. llie Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. Enclosure in No. 46. Copy of a Letter from Captain Gkok<;k Hkniiy Rkh.mids, dated H.M. .Surveving .'^liip "Plumper," Langley, Iraser's River, January 21, 1859, to Governor Doi.;;i...vs. I ii.vvK the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the ITth instant, requestiiiK inv liX "It l\ "'-'■''^^•ty w uch exists for erecting lighthouses on the Race Islands and on risgani Ihouldbepl ' d '"'"'' ''^''l""""'f "'Thour, as also the exact .spots on which these lighthouses hi my ic|.iHt Hiitalilo for Hie the (iiTt ' "' ^''"1 ,,f,.tv of \u\\ igal The I'liitcd .N ,1111th eiilniiM-e j (lirticiilty. The Itac • 's. i-hiiul, and are 6 lre(|uently lieav; llritish Coluinlii In the Strait ., vojisel hound li)flit, the Hood f iiichipelago, whi know the exact i the rocks and hi hfiiig distant fro the exact positio hidepeiident t .toaiiicr time is «orld, probably hpinf,'s, an error As regards the ii li^ht liero woi ionlideiic(\ for tl out at iiiglit, thf The best pro( mail steamers ai outside in Roya has happened tl States ports bee With refcreiH the Race Islani construct the hi thp site is an ex land, distant on The United S side of the Strai Island, almost d duration, and ot 1 would rccor and tiiat the Ian feet. On the tracin light of the 5th guide to clear tl I also enel e covery Islanc' the sites. Copy of DE: (No. 92, Sir, 1. If the Lieutena seat of Govei Lungley, on ','. The Li features of tli apart from tl ill conseqiiei anchorage of purposes, aiii I'AI'ERS ilEh , riNG TO BUITISH C(>(.( MIMA. ''lazci's River, ii:i, iiboiit KXj able (,'i(Minds, tains contains well as to the 'C friM regi(i|, accessible bv tof;;etlier with ver, and other UGLAS, (loveiiiof. :. 15. Lyt TOX, y 22, 1850. 1-. 82.) -' a. 87.) the subject of Vancouver s and valuable nee with my kvitii tracings lid be placed. JGLAS, Governor. p '• Plumper," requesting my ind on l''i?frard se liglitliouses VJ ' last, I had the hommr *>> -«ul)iiiit these iiir niw Ihi' rapidly iiu'iiashi;; :':v!imt' appp'iis esc l«ii M) Tic wliicfi |i(its a? Ilic most i" ''(>win>f iiitii H-itish f'olimibia- 't appears to mc "xtrcmcly ilcs' ndc (or the III !«• imdcrtak. II witti as little diday as p<)K>.il"ilc. c olari ail cxccllciif lif{hf on ('ape Flallcry (nr ( l.i>>ct). the lirli ciialilcs vessels to make and ciitt r !■ i'>trait at Mi"lit ttillmul III niy report to you datcil in Octi niital'lo for Mic purpose, and roiwiii the iii'rt' "t Vnnc'Uivor'B Island and ,,f,.tv of iiav ijffttion that tlie work t 'file I'liiti'il .'States (iovcrnmciit I Hiiitii eiilraiice point nf Km a Strai' ilirtiiiilty. The llaci' Is':. ..lis . a a d.ingerou8 cluster of rocks, I mi;; niilc olF ihc >. I'., end of \',iiiriiii\cr l.janii, and are 5() miles eastward of Cape I'Manry li^lit ; in their nci^rhhonrliooil arc stroni; lidcrJ. and Ireiiucntly heavy dangerous races; all vessel-- lioiiiiil to the southern ports of Vamoincr's f-laiid or to Hritisli Coluinliia must round these rocks. In tiie .Strait of Fuca the tides are \cry irregular, licin^ much iiiHueiiced Uy wiijds in the oiling'; if ii vessel lioiind for Ksipiiinall or Victoria overrun her distance, after losing sifjlit of < ape Mattery lijrjit, the tlood tide, after passing' Race i{ocks, would set her far ea>twar(l of her port, and aiiKni^f the iiichipelago, which would involve risk and delay ; if the elih shinild he riinnin;,' and a slii|) ^llo^lld not. i,iio« tlie exact position of the rocks, she would lie extremely likely to lie ilriven on to thciii ; alter piuswin^' (he rocks and bound to Es(piimalt, the course changes immediately Iroiii east to north, the liarlmur hfiiig (list^int from them aliout !> miles. It is oliviously important, therefore, that a vessel should know the exact jiositioii of them, to enable her at the projier moment to steer for tli(> harltoiir. hulepeiideiit of the trading merchant ships there are even greater interests at stake; to the mail •teanier time is of vital importance, to the emigrant ship loming from Australia and other jiarts of the Horld, probably unprovided with charts of this coast, and freighted perhaps with hinidrcds of Ininiaii bfiiiffs, an error in position would probably be attended with fatal coiise(|ueiiies. As regards the second site, viz., I'isgard Hocks, which form the western eiitrai'c of Hsi|uinialt Harbour, a iijjlit here would be seen immediately on rounding the Race Kocks, and a vessel would ^tcer with coiitidence for the harbour, the ctrance to which, though clear, is narrow, and very dilliiiilt to make out at night, the points being o iscureil by the liigii land rising behind. The best proof of tliiMiecessity of a har'ioiir light here is the fact of many experienced masters of mail steamers and merchant vessels, to whom time is a great object, having been obliged to anchor outside in Royal Koads at night, although they bad freipiently entered tlie harbour hy day, and it has haiipened that vessels which would otherwise have called at Ksciuinialt have pas>e(l to the I'liited .•^tates ports because they could not enter after dark. Witii reference to the exact spots on which to place the lighthouses, 1 beg to enclose a tracing of the Haie Islands, on which the spot is marked, and would ohserve that should it he desirable to construct the building of stone, there is abundance to be procured on the island, with little labour, that the site is an excellent one in all respects, and that commuiiicatioii could he kept up with the main land, distant onj mile, probably five days out of seven, and more frei|ueiitly during the sunimer season. The United States light on New Dungeness spit, 18 miles froin Jtace Islands and on the opjiosite side of the .Strait de l''uca, is fixed, white, and of the 'Md order of Fresnel, that on Smith or Hlunt Island, almost due east, and '29 miles from the Race Islands, is tixed. varied by tlashe^ of 80 seconds' duration, and of the 4tli order. I would reeommend that the light im the Race Rocks should be a fixed white light of the iind order, and that the lanthorn should be at least 80 feet above the sea level, the height of the rock being 'Jo feet. On the tracing* of the entrance to Escjuimalt harbour, Kisgard IJocks are shown, this should be a light of the .5th order, shaded, red mid white, the arc of the horizon, which .-lioiild he shaded red, as a guide to clear the Serogg's Rocks, is shown on the tracing. I also eiici e \ tracing* of .- e coast on a smaller scale from westward of the Race Rocks to Dis- eovery Islam' . glance ai which will, I think, prove the necessity of the lights, and the eligibility of the sites, I have, \:c. (Signed) Gko. Hknrv Rk ii.mids, Captain. lin.n-ii ( III I MIlU. * Siv ill /so tia -iii^zs ut ,,. 1 1. No. 47. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to tiic Right Hon. Sir E. H. Lyi ro.s, Bart. fNo 92.) Victoria, Vancouver's I.sland, February 4, IS,3!). jj„( ^ ■ ^ (Received Marcli 29. 1859.) 1. I HAVE the honour of transmitting herewith for your information a report from the Lieutenant-Governor, dated the 28tli of January 1859, reconimending as a site for the seat of Government in British Columbia a position about 10 miles below the new town ol Langley, on the north bank of Eraser's lliver. ','. The Lieiitenant-(jovernor has entered fully into the consideration of the military features of the position, wiiieii he considers to be of rare strength and value, and ;ii>() that apart from those advantages, the actual spot itself is well adapted liir a city of iiiagniliuie, in consequence of there being deep water close along an extended line of shore ior the anchorage of sea-going vessels of any burden, an abuiid -t supply of water tin- hoiiseliuld purposes, and good drainage. No. 47. fii i\ W'V ItfllTtKIt ('iil.llIUI «. (It) 1»APEKS UKLATINC TO niUTISH COLUMIUA. 3. 'Ilic views wliirli llie Liciileiiaiit-Ciovoinor lias so ably (levclopcd fjcncrally coincide willi my own iinpus^ious on tin- siil))i'Ct, and 1 am satisHed of llie soundness of his con- clusions; I have ihi'u-foie anllioiimi the immediate survey and subdivision of tliu situ icccinmcndcd in his report into buildinj.' lots of the ordinary dimensions for sale, anil tiic work will be conniuiiccd witii all convenient dispalcli. I have, iVc. The Uif,'ht Hon. Sir K. IJ. Lytton, Hart. (SiKned) JAMKS DOU(iI>AS, iVc. &c. N.'C. (iovenior. Tliii' ippoTt nbjectioiiH (iH III froniiiT hido "t iiiilitiiry objcctu KiK'lo •lire in 47. Knclosuro hi No. 47. Corv of II l.cllrr tniiii his Honour l.iciitiMiant-Oovcninr Moony, (luted H.M.S. « I'luinppr," off ,f j ^ I \anrouv('r';< Island, .hniuary VH, iK.i'J. Km, •rf Ai Ti II a vcrv larcful study of the t|iifsfion. I ha'c now tiic honour to sul)inil lo your ioii-id(Miitiou tlial the site wiiiili "apiicars to he licst adajjtcd for the caiMtal of Hritish ColumlJia in iilKiiit In inilc:< Im'Iow the new town ot l.aunlcy, and on tho north liank of tin- f'ra/cr. I am iiiidfr the iin|ir('ssioii it is the fame or iii-arly the siimc site to wiiich you did me tiie lioiiciiir Im direct mv atfcutioii as the proper |)ositioii for the iioit of entry. It is the lirKt hif{h ground on the north side after entering the river, and is al)out 2ii miles hIk.vc iIk. .Siuid Heads. . . ... There is iilmiidaiice of room and coiiveiiience lor every description ol rerpu^-ite m a seaport and ili, capital of a -freat countiy. There are iivcnt tacilities for commuuication hy water, as well as l)y hiliiii' «;reat triiiik railwavs into rhe interior. , , . , • , There is ^'ood "land tor ^'arden frroiind, if one may judge l>y the iciest and ricli meadow liind- surround it. "it is raised aliove the periodical floods, and yet the low lands (which will he most coveted as conuuercial site>, docks, (piavs, \-c.) are close adjoiniiiji and easily made availalile. I'rom the advantageous circ'iimstaiices of the locality, it is easily rendered iinai)proaeliahle to mi eneniy. . , , '• . . As" a military position it is rare to find one so singularly strong by nature, in connexion with its atlaptatioii as the capital ol a country. Immediately ill front is the hroad navigahle river; on the opposite hank is a line of rising ■.'round co\criiig the wiiole front. 'This rising ground falls towards the frontier, and all along that huso i> hwaiiipy land, easily iiiuiidatcd. Tl>iai this rising groiitid could he jilaced a great intrenched cam]), with a series of open earthen wiirk- eiitirely protecting the city at a distance, ensuring perfect safety from any injury whatever to the citv itself. ' , , ' (Jii the right Hank of the position the city would he protected hy two deep channels, in additiim In the river itself, and .d^i hy widely-extencied marshes, which, when dyked (as they will he l)y the faniicrsi, could lie easily imindated. 'The left Hank is protected, at a distance of four miles, hy the I'Vaser, and also liy the deeji liroad riMi I'itt: liut in addition to these two serious ohstacles to an enemy is a comniaiiding hill, having' the I'itt Itiver close in front ; on thi;-* hill could he placed a strong work or works, entirely covering tin' left Hank. At the rear of tlic iiiisitioii, and distant five miles, is Hurrard's Inlet, any accesfi to which would be rendered most hazardous, hy )ilaciiig a w(irk on the island which extends across it. 'There is also (in that side a range of high ground, from east to west, on which could he placed earthen works and intrenched camp, preventing any advance. 'The ^liort iiiilitarv defences of the least costly description, and defended hy militia forces, couldbc witii com))arative ease to take the ort'ensive. 1 would further submit that, in any war with our neigb- biiiiis, . Her ow of Vancouver Miijesty's con .sake of convi would be rec( to name the iliri'ctly, after of Wales, or ' hoiiaratcd froi reminded in t the walclifiil iroverned. Tlio Right cSrc. Coi'Y of l)E (No. il"l< "I" "'x'u a town of iiiiportaiicc. It is suMiVirnt to say it is on tin- Cor lmbia. fronliiT hid"' of the livcr, and no ainonnt of cxpcnditnic and skill conld cll'cctually rcriii'y the strong ••>• military ohjcition to its jjo-ition. 1 liavc, \'('. (Si^riu'd) It. ('. Moon^, ('oloiu'i ('onnnandin^ and Lii'ni.-(iii\ii. No. IM. C'orv of DESPATCH from Governor Doucii.As to tlic Hiolit Hon. Sir K. H. Lviion, Bart. (No. !»3.) \'ictoriii, Naiicou vet's Islatul, l''el)iiiaiy .'), 1 «.")!>. (li.'iiiMil .Miiicli L'!», |s.-,!». ) Sill, ( Aii-wcicil No. (il, Miiy .'., jM.Vl, |iii^r(. R(i. I With i-cfercncc to my Despatcli, No. iJ'J,* of the 4lli insiuiit, ii|)oii the snlijoct of the site cliosen for the seat o) {.^oveinnient of nrilisli Coiiinihia, I ii;ue tiie honour to .state toyoiitliat deeply appreciatiiiif tlie kind and gratifyint; interest wliieh llernio>t (iraeioiis Miije.sty lias heen pleased to inaiiitest towards tlie 'evelopment and inospciiiy of tlu! Colony of British Columbia, »\i '"e earne.stly desirous that Her Majesty should v-nehsafe one further proof of Her eontinuei' repaid by siL,'ni(yiuj^ Her will as to the name to bo i;ivcn to the future cajjital. '.'. Her own royal name liaviiip already i)eeii bestowed ii|)oii the seat of ijovernment of Vancouver's Island cainiot idso be assiujncd to that of Briiisli Columbia, but until Her Majesty's commands can be communicated, it has been determiiieil, lor the necessary sike of convenience, to distin{>uish the town by the name of " Queens!)oi()uo;h ;" and It would 1)0 received and esteemed as an especial mark of royal fiivour were Her Majesty lo name the capital of Britisii Columbia, either, indirectly, after Her royal stlf, or, directly, after His Roy;d HiirJiness the Trince Consort, His Uoyal Hi,o;hiiess the Prince (if \V ides, or some member of the Uoyal F.unily, so ili;it the colonists of British Columbia, (,e|Kirated from friends and kindred in this their tiir distant home, may be ever oiatefully rcniinded in the designation of their capital of the \wwvy that protects their hearths, of iiw, .....(r.liriil iiif<.iT.Kt tlifit iriiiirds their liberties, and of the gentle sway by whicii tiiey are llic watchful interest that governed. Tlie Right. Hon. Sir I]. B. Lytton. Bart. ike. &c. &c. I have, &e. (Signed) .lAMKS DOU(iLA,S, Ciovernor. No. I». ■ Page ,^9. m No. 4j.s. by every miner, instead of the present monthly lax of 'Jl.v. on eacii claim holder, auJ other modifications of the mining regulations, wliich will have due coiisitleration. 13, It also appears that the trading licences at Fort Yale, with two exceptions, had all been paid for the previous month. If. Mr. Drew also reports that the migration of miner.s to the interior coiuitry hevoiul I'ort Yale had commenced on an extensive scale, several crowded boats from below haviiij,' pissed on the','.5tli, and on the i)rcvious day a great number of men had started from Fort Vale by land and in boats for the Foimtain, for Bridge lliver, and fur the Canoe country. Mr. Brew is of opinion that 5,000 miners will soon be collected in those districts lui'il, recommends the appointment of an assistant gold coiiunissioner to be stationed at the Fountain. 15, Mr. Brew's report contains nothing further of importance. l(). The immbers of the " Victoria Gazette," as j)er margin, are forwarded for yom information. I have, &c. The Rt. Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Ciovernor. No. 50. Coi'Y of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (No. <)().) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, Eeb. 9, 1859. (Hcccivcil Miiich l';», 1H.')<». ) Sill, ^ (.Viiswcicd, No. .',1. Api-il 12, !H,)i), |)iij;c' Ho.) ,.;,„.i,„„ro. , I liEO to submit to you herewith the copy of a pa|)er I have received from the ' Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works in British Columbia, containing some notes made by him upon various subjects connected with his department, and the employment of the detaciiment of Royal iMigineers to carry out the duties of that department. 2. I forward this document to you as I deem it may be of interest, and it will serve to convey to you the exact position in which we are placed with regard to the surveyiii.y PAPEHS HELATINr. TO nRITISfl rOU'MniA. 08 jiul other important Dporations wliicli it is so (losiriiliic should lu- nrnseciiteil with the iitnwHt vijfDiir to expedite thr devclopnieiit oCtlie eoimfry, so that fliu iulviintngi*!) which iiui.st result tlierefrom may Itc iiMped it the iMriii" iiml Wolihs, l)v ' luni'l Moony. I, iiMitcnant-C iovernor. F.nclc»ure in .iaiiuary ;liiiiil)i;i liy the Wiir I)(>])arliiuMit, at tlic rp(|iipst of till" Srciotary of .State tor tlio Cul ini(»j mpteorolofrieal observations. If I iiad a Hrst-rate (lranj,ditsnian it would l)e a comijlele little party. This small party will i)e cliielly valnal)le in layiuj; out all the towns, surveying-- line> of conununication throughout the" eoimtry, determiuinfr triffononu-trieal points for the j,'t'neral survey, and more particularly for eheckinjf the aeruraey of civil suveyors, workiujf l)y contract, in layiufr out the rural allotments. Tlie survey i)arty of royal onj,'ineers are too few in number to execute the surveys for the allot- ments of lands (except towiis), and their pecnliai training for more scientific and <\ueful work, under the gnidanee of ollicers, wauld lie thrown away. These men were drawn from the Ordnance Survey Departnn-nt in ICnfjland, and no more could he spared; the remainder of the detachment km)w nothing of svirveyinp, and are composed of various Ufpful trades, carpenters, masons, bricklayers, smiths, iVe. 'Ihe proportions of these trade (|naliH- cations in the party were carefuUv made in Kngland, so that the whole would form a useful IkxIv in executing public works in the Colonv, from buildings of any class (wood, stone. l)rick, or iron, large or small, rough or temjiorary, or arefiitectural and finished) to (|nays jetti(>s, roads, iiridges, iiilv, wells, channels for water supplies, kc. \rc. I believe that as artificers they will l)e found not oidy excellent workmen, turning out nothing sloveidy or that cannot l)e depended upon, but considerably the most economical, especially at the rates of labour in the Colony. This latter ])oint will always he a grave consideration. The wants of the Colony in ]niblic works are, however, so numerous, and all pressing, that the detachment is too few in number to meet the re(|nirpments. A very great deal will necessarily liave to he done by contract in civil labom- ; the services to be executed in the one and in the other mode will have to (lei)end upon circumstances as thev arise ; for instance, in Iwalities oH'ering high premiums to ■ H4 G-1 PAPERS llELATINC; TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. British colcuiiu. t 4 r.iu'liisnrc. (Icftprtion, as wr.-ild be the ciise in inining districts, or grout laxity of discipliiip, it would ho objection- at)lo to onii)l(iy the soldiors, and wlicicvor oiniiloyod. it should Iv as far as practicahlo in i)0(lios under the iiniiicdialf control of an olliccr. i -i i In additioi' to the ahovo, il will be neccssarv to employ a dork ot works and jjossibly two toremen. The cli'rk to bo a person ol inlolli>,'oii(o and of tried intof(rity, such as could bo and would bo soloited f(ir us liy the Inspcctiir-(ienoval (if iMirtitications from among tlio clerks of works in Kiifflaml, as W did for the Australian Colonies al Molbonnio. Such a man would lie ospocially valual)lo in ..upor- intendinj,' contract work in tlio mining districts and in advising nio on the (pialitics of materials, lie would aUvays i>o a useful man in the Colony hereafter, if its j)r()spoiity otforod a sulliciont induconiom to him to remain when the royal engineers wore withdrawn. Of tile ollicors of the detachment, the senior ono, Captain (irant, wa;i particularly selcetod, among otiior oxcollont points, for his (|nalificatioiis in superintending works of construction, 'i'he sccomi, Captain I'arsous, was sclcclcd for his liigh qiialitications in surveying, from the most scientific branches (astronomical observations and geodesic onorations) to the ordinary works in detail. Tiic third. Captain I.uard, to take charge more particularly of the military details (to which could l)i> attawcrcil, No. ()2, May 7, 18.J9, p. Hd.) I iiAvi: tlie lioiioi'r of forwarding liorewitli tor your information copy of a Pro- cl.imation, is.sncd on the 14tli day of lliis jjresent month, dechiring tlie price and manner under which land in IJritish Columbia are to be offered for sale. Q. Tlio Pioclamation sets fortli tiie constitutional riglits of tlie Crown to all the hinds in British Cohimbia, and to the mines and minerals therciii. o. Lands are to be offered for .sale in the following classes, viz., town lands, general coimtrv lands, and lands for special settlement. All known mineral lands, and lands rei)uted to contain minerals, will tiir th'.' present be icserved. 1: It is also our intention to make large reserves (or roads, the erection of places of worshij), schools, and public ])nrposes, and also for towns and villages, in such a maniuT. however, as not seriously to interfere with or retard the progressive improvement and settlement of the country. .J. As a general rule no land is to be olfercd for sale without having been h'rst smveyed aiul nuipped off under Government authority. 6. Town lands aie to be .sold by public auction at an upset price to be hereafter lixed, according to the value of the site. 7. Country lands are also to be sold by public auction, at the upset price of ten shillings an acre; the purchase money to be paici une-half at the time of sale, and the remainder at the end of two years. 8. We consideri il it advisable for many reasons to fix the upset sale price of country lands in Ihitish Columbia at a comparatively low standard. In the first place, we think it a matter of the greatest imj)ortance to encourage emigration from l^ngland, in order to supply i!ie want now so much felt of an English element in the }iopulation,a want wliicli, in fact, iivs at the root of all the dilticiilties which now so much embarrass all attempts at legislalion ibr the eonniiy. We are, therei'ore, especially desirous of placing before tlie English pidilic the attraction of cheap land ; at the same time we feel assured tiiat the interests of Government will not suffer through that cause, as from the manner of sale and the effect of competition t!ie land, if worth more, will fetch its value. y. We also feared that by adopting a higher })rice for land, the sturdy yeomen expected tliis year Iron! Canada, Ai'.slraha, and other IJritish Colonies nvglit be driven in hundreds acro.ss the frontier to seek Ibr homes in the United States territories, where it is the custom to make free grants of laml. 10. Coupled with the attractions of a low up.set price to actual .settlers, we think the system will guard the land operations of the Colony, as much as in the nature of things is practicable, from the designs of specidalors who make purchase: of land not for actual settlement but merel;' for profitable resale. 11. T'.c!land and on this we ] if possible also subjects. 12. The Chic by private conti exposed at aucti 13. The Proc settle the site of sale for town Langley will be either as a whole the wishes of th the capital. The Right H( &c. Ry his Excell WiiKUi.As it is e the alienation and Columbia, and wit establishing a capit Now, therefore, viz.:— \. All the lands in fee. 2. 'ITie nrieo of 1 lands, shall be ten at tiie end of two y or some other tei localities. 3. It shall also h Crown lands, and I 4. Except as afc competition, at tin made ready for sal uf die upset price reserved (if any) f( .'i. All lands whi upset price, and or of Lands and Wor 6. Unless other' to such public rigl of leading or usiuj such sale be specii 7. Unless other all trees and all m 8. \\lien any " words) the right t( of the proprietors ditch or any part 9. Until furthei regidations. 10. It is inten British Columbia 11. Plans of tl three-fourths of 1 to public eoinpet' excluding the pu II. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 6.-) 1)(> objection- i bodies under two foipnieii. lid 111' sclci'te,! nglaiul. as y ibli' ill .-uper- liitcriais. He lit inducoinoiit lectcd, among 'I'lio second, Host scientific 1 detail. The liieli c'oiild li,' dors. Of the CJraiit and the 'd ip accounts r to nominate a sulwerinent C, MoODV, 11. T'.e land for special settlfmcnt is tlmt bonicrii)<» the frontier of tlie United States, and on this we propose to make a military reserve on behalf of the royal engineers, anil if possible also otherwise to settle it with a popiilati;)n cjinposeil exclusively of English subjects. 12. The Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works is, in Article 5, empowered to sell by private contract at the upset price any land rer.jaining unsold, aft'M' having been exposed at auction to public competition. 13. The Proclamation further declares the intention of (Government to lay out and settle the site of the capital or seaport town of British Columbia, and the conditions of sale for town land there, and also that all persons who have jiaid for town lots at Langleywill be allowed, upon the surrender of such lots, to have their money transferred, either as a whole or p'ut payment for lots in the new town, the object being to meet the wishes of the people, and to concentrate the connnercial interests of the Colony in the capital. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. &c. Governor. nRlTlSII COI.I'JIDIA. B. Lyttox, 19, ISoO. ) •y of a Pro- nul maiinei- .11 the lands ds, general , and lands of ])Iaccs of I a nianm'r, ement ami it smveyed ■after lixeil, .^n shillings remainder of country ?, we think in order to ant wliicii, 1 atteni])ts ing before sured that manner of n expected I hinidreds it is the think tlie : of things for actual Emdosurc in No. 'il. I'iiUll.AMATION By his Exeellenoy .Iami.s Doim.as, Cumiianioii nl' the Most Ilonoiirablo Order of the IJatli, {ioveriiur and Commauder-iii-t'hief of iiritisli Columbia. WiiKiiiiAs it is expedient to publish for ffeneral inforniatioii tbe iiietliod to be imrsued with ri'spect to the alienation and possession of airrieultural lauds and of lands ])roposi'd for tlie sites of towns in |{ritisii Columbia, and with refprenoe also to the places for levying shipping and i ustoins duties, and for establishing a capital and port of entry in the said Colony: Now, therefore, I, James Douglas, Governor of the said Colony, du proclaim and deelare as follows, viz.; — 1. All the lands ir British Columbia, and all the mines and minerals therein belong to tlio Crown in fee. 2. The price of lands not being intended for the sites of towns, and not being ro])iited to be mineral lands, shall be ten shilli'.igs per acre, ])ayable one-half in cash at the time of the sale, and tlio other half at the end of two years from such sale. Provided that under sjiecial circumstances soiiic other price or some other terms of paymont may from time to time be specially announced ii . jiarticular localities. 3. It shall also be competent to the Executive at any time to rojervo sucb portions of the unoccupied Crown lands, and for such purposes, as tlie Executive shall deem advisable. 4. Kxcept as aforesaid, all the l.uid in Hritisb Columbia will be exposed in lots for s;, ,-, by public competition, at the upset p ice above mentioned, as soon as the same sluill liave been surveyed and made ready for sale. Due notice will be given of all sucb sales. Notice at the same time will be given of the upset price and terms of payment wlien they vary from those above stated, and , also of tlie riglits reserved (if any) for public convenience. .'i. All lands which shall remain unsold at any such auction may be sold by private contract at the upset price, and on the terms and conditions herein mentioned, on application to the Chief Connnissioner of Lands and Works. 6. Unless otherwise specially notified at the time of salt', all such saK's of Crown land shall be subject to such public rights of way as may at .oiy time after such sale, and to such pri\ate rights of way, and of leading or using water for animals, and for mining and engineeri'.ig purposes, as may at the time of such sale be specified by the C'hief Commissioners of Lands and Works. 7. Unless otherwise specially announced at the time of sale, the conveyance of the land shall include all trees and all mines and minerals within and under the same, except mines of gold and silver. f*. VThen any " Ditch Privilege" shall be granted, there shall be included (unless excluded by express words) the right to lop, dress, or fell any trees standing on unoccupied Crown lands, which in the opinion of the proprietors of the ditch might, by their accidental fall or otherwise, endanger the safety of the ditch or any part thereof. Knclosare in -Nu. S 1 . 9. Until further notice, regulations. (ioi.D Claims. gold claims and mines shall cunlinue to be worked subject to the existing Cai'iiai, oi' l)i;riiMi ('oirMiii\. 10. It is intended with .ill dispatch to lay out and settle British Columbiii,'on the right or north bank of l''raser River. the site of a city, to be the capital of 11. Plans of the city are intended to be prepared and published in the moiii; of March next, three-fourths of the whole ninnber of lots (excluding the iiublic reserves) will be submitted in lots to public competition, by auction, in the month of April. One-fourth of the wliole number of lots, excluding the public reserves, will be reserved in blocks for purchasers in llio United Kingdom, Her ^: % t (56 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. % •M Hii r'l British coi.i miiia. No. :r>. ' l'a?o (H. Majesty's Colonies in North Anierifa and elsewhere — all of such lust-mentioned lots which may not be disposed of in the United Kingdom, or Her Majestv's Colonies, other than Hritish Columbia, niU be submitted to public coinpetifion in this Colony, of wiiicli due notice will be given. \'-J. As the fioverninent is desirous of concentrating the commercial interests of the Colony in and around the capital, the ])urchasers of town lots in the said proposed capital who maybe owners ol town lots in I^angley, under the late sale on the Mth Novemlier last, on which the whole amount of purchase money has been paid to the Government, will, if so disposed, be allowed to surrender the lots in I-,angley so purchased, and to have the price so paid to the Government allowed them as payment in full i'or a lot or lots purcliased by them in the said ])roposed capital of an e(jual or lesj price in the aggregate, and as payment in part for lots in the said proposed capital of a greater price ui the aggregate. Hvery such surrender must be executed and delivered in writing, aildressed to the Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works in Hritish Columbi.i, at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, (me week at least j)revions to the day appointed for the intended sale. 13. The proposed capital will be declared to be a port of entry so soon as the necessary arrange, ments shall have been provided, which will be done with all convenient dispatch. Custom-house ollicers will then be stationed there, and vessels will be able to proceed direct to Kraser River without touching at Victoria, or may clear at Victoria, at their ojition. 14. Tbc whole of the liver frontage will be laid out in a continuous road, tiic edge of which it i< contemplated ultimately to convert into a public (piay. No (juay will, however, be at present con- structed at the public expense, nor will the absolute property of the soil along the edge of the water be now alienated by the Crown, liut the right to make and maintain ipiays of convenient sizes, and to demand certain tolls and rates for the use thereof, will be granted to private individuiih for the space of seven years ; such rights w ill be disposed of at public auction, at or immediately after the sale of town lots, to the iiidder of the highest annual rent No restrictions will Ix; placed on the lessee as to the form or nature of the (plays, except such as shall lie necessary to protect the ])ul]lii' safety and convenience. Issued under the Public Seal of the Colony of Hritish Columbia, at Victoria, Vancouver's Island, tiiis Fourteenth day of February One thousand eight hundred and tifty-iiine, in the 'rwenty-second year of Her Maj(>sty's reign, by me, ,I.\Mi:s D()r(;i.As. (i..^,) liy his Excellency's c(mimand, Wii.i.iA.M A. G. Y()i\(;, Acting Colonial Sccretiiry. Gon sAVK TiiK Qri',r,\. No. 52. C'oPY of l)IvSPAT("H from Governor Dolglas to the lliglit Hon. Sir E. B. Lvxrox, Bart. (No. 111.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, March 10, 1859. Sm, (licceivcd May 2. IH.VJ.) .My rc|)ort, Xo. !).5,* of the 7th ultimo on tlie state of British Columbia contains advices from Fort Yale to the end of January ; the intelligence since that date is satis- lactoiy ill all ies|)ects, exce])t the weather, which has been severely cold and trying toilic miner, whose operations liavebecn in consequence nearly altogether susj)ended for the last two months. Mr. Commissioner Brew has, owing to tiie same cause, al.so been unable to collect the milling licence fees lor that time, a circumstance which, for obvious reasons, I much reorcl. '2. h appears from late reports tliat tlie miners on ',' Hill's" and " Emery's" Bars iiave abiiiKloned the beach workings, and traiisfli'ned their labours to tlie banks or elevated table land reaching from llie river to the momitaiiis. 'i'liose banks are ot great extent, varying from a few hundred yards to two miles in breadth ; and slioiild they jirove, as expected, more remunerative than tlie river beds, they will offer a wide Held for ininiii!; eiiterprize. .'5. Water iiir wasiiing the auriferous soil is at present the chief want; it must be brouojit from the mountains by means of aitifieial canals, and in consequence of th? encouragement gi\en on the part of Government, many persons are now engaged at their own jirivate expense in the constniclion of such works. 4. Tliose eiiter])rizes will materially aid in the development of the gokl fields and other industrial resources of British Cohimbia. The miners, to their praise be it said, are full of ardour, grasping eagerly at every opening for the profitable enqiloyment of their labour or capital, and re(|uiie no urging beyond the protection and legulating care ol' Cioveinment. .5. Those elevated table lands were, until lately, covered with deep snow, and therefore inaccessible to milling operations, but will soon, 1 trust, become the cheerful scene of successl'ul and wide-spread industry. of the Public U small an extent PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 67 ISlilTISH MHtA. 6. I may here state as !i valuable fact, corioboratiiig wlial has been I)et()ie stated in my Despatches concerning the general productiveness of the gold Helds in British C'ohnnbia, ^""'4'* that a company of eight men holding a gold claim on Hill's Bar. worked by a sluice, took out the enoi iiioiis return of 110 ounces of Liold in one week ; and this, I mn informed, is not an isolated case of successful mining, many other claims having proved e(iually productive; but I particiilariz ■ this instance in consequence of there being no doubt as to the fact. 7. 1 will add to the preceding another corroborative tact in su|)port of the Mime conclusion, supplied by tlie following statement received yesterday from Mr. Latham, their agent, of the quantity of gold dust shipped to San Francisco and received on special deposit by the house of Wells, Fargo, and C'o. of this place, from Jime last to the present time :— Shipped to San Francisco - 525,000 dollars value of, in gold ilust. Received on special deposit - 97,000 „ „ „ Dollars - 622,000 which, valued at the current price of gold, l.-i dollars an ounce, gives 40,029 ounces nearly as the quantity of gold dust that has passed through their iiands for the period mentioned. This statement, compared with the quantities given in my Despatch No. 40*, of * i'ag>' •"■ the 30th November last, as the export of Messrs. Wells, Fargo, and ('o. up to that date, shows an export of gold by that iioiise since that statement was |)repared, to the extent of 23,43fi ounces of gold. 8. The most favourable reports continue to arrive from Bridge Iviver and from the bank diggings of Fraser's River, betw'.late of perfect tranquillity, that gold is being brougiit down Fraser's River in " large (luaniiiics," and that the gold brought tlown is " coarse grain auti scale gold,'' which may be collccteil at any tenii)erature. 13. It also appears from Mr. lirew's communication, that il is liilHcull in very cold weather to collect the fine or dust gold by amalgamation, as the (piicksilver will not t;ikc up tlietrold when below a certain temperature. M. Mr. Brew further confirms the general belief in the rich auriferous deposits of Biitinli Colinnbia and of the river bars above " I^ytton," which, he re.narks, are said to he "rich beyond anything that was ever known.'" 15. It does nut, however, ajjjjea'.- from .Mr. Brew's report, that he has made any further collection of revenue, a subject on which J therefore cannot give you the information I would ilesire. 16. I may neverilieless remark, that we have hitherto [aitl all the expenses of (ioverii- ment out of colonial funds, and we shall endeavoin- by the carefid and frugal application of the Public Revenue to indispvnsable objects only, to tax the Ini|)erial Treasury to as small an extent as in the circmns^ances of the Colony may be jjossible. I iiave, Arc. The Right Hon. Sir L. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) .lA.MFS Dt)LCiLAS, ike. &c. ike. Ciovernor. .'?] U^ i Yi m 1 2 i 1 ill .1 y- Ubitish Col.t.MllIA. No. S3. • I'agp 7fi. 68 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA, No. 5:\. Copy of DESPATCH from Governor Douglas to the Riglit Hon. Sir E. B. Ltttov Bart. (No. 114.) Victoriii, Vancouver's I.slar.d, March 14, 1859. Sin, (Ucccivcd Miiy 10, I «.-)!).) I ii.tvE the lumoiir to acknowledge tlie receipt of your Despatcli, No. 02,* of the .30lli December la.st, containing many valuable observations on tiie policy to be observed towards the Indian tribes of British Columbia, and moreover your instructions, directing me to inform you if I think it would be feasible to settle those tribes permanently in villages ; suggesting in reference to that m'^asure, that with such settlement, civilization would at once begin ; that law and religion would become naturally introduced among ttem, and contribute to their security against the aggressions of immigrants ; that through indirect taxation, on the additional article? they would purchase, they would contribute to the Colonial Revenue, and witli their own ronsont. some light and simple form of taxation might be imposed, the proceeds of which would be expended strictly and solely on their own wants and improvement. '■2. I have much pleasure in adding, with unhesitating confidence, that I conceive tiie ])roposed plan to be at once feasible, and also the only plan which promises to result in th« moral elevation of the native Indian races, in rescuing tliem from degradation, and jirotccting them from oppression and rapid decay. It will," at the same time, have the effect of .saving the Colony from the numberless evils which naturally follow in the train o'" every course of national injustice, and from having the native Indian tribes arrayed in vindictive warfare against the white settlements. 3. As friends and allies the native races arc capable of rendering the most valuabli; assistance to the Colony, while their enmity would entail on the settlers a greater amount of wretchedness and jjliysical .suffering, anel more seriously retard the growth and material development of tiie Colony, than any other calamity to wlii(!li, in the ordinary course of events, it would be exposed. 4. In my Despatch, No. 4, of the 9tli of February last, on the affairs of Vancouver's Island, transmitting my correspondence with the House of Assembly up to that date, there is a message made to the Mouse on the .'itii of February 1S.39, lespecting the course I proposed to ail:)j>t in tiie dis|)osal and management of the land reserved for the benefit of the Indian population at tiiis place, the plan jnoposi'd being briefly thus: — that the Indians should be established on that reserve, and the remaining unoccupied land .shoulii be let out on leases at an annual rent to the higiiest I'idder, and that the whole proceeds arising from such leases should be applied to the exclusive benefit of the Indians. r). The advantages of that arrangement are obvious. An amount of capital would thereby be created, equal perhaps to the sum re(iuired for effecting the settlement of the Indians; and any surplus funds remaining over that outlay, it is jiroposed to devote to the Ibrmation and support of schools, and of a clergyman to superintend their moral and religious training. (). I feel much confidence in the ojieration of this simple and practical scheme, and jirovided we succeed in devising means of rendering the Indian as comfortable and indejiendent in regard to physical wants in his improved condition, as he was when a wandering denizen of the forest, there can be little doubt of the ultimate success of the experiment. 7. The support of iiie I:; ii;ii s will thu.s, wherever land is valuable, be a matter of easy accomplishment, and in >li; t's'ts wi;'.ic the white population is small, and the land unproductive, the Indians may be left almost wholly to their own resources, and, as a joint means of earning liei' li'.i ii'; lOii, ti pui.Mro unmolested 'leir favorite calling of fishermen and hunters. of 'a, id tuf tiK benefit and support of the Indian races will M :i!l »!'.{ districts of iJiitish Columbia inhabited bv native !.i all cases include their cultivated fields and village sites, iocla*!'.n iliev invariably conceive a strong attaciiment, and 8. Anticipatory r... rv „ be made for that p iipii^e tribes. Those reserves s'.o for which fiom liabil and j)rize more, for that reason tli.ie, 'r.r Jie excciit or value of the land. !). In forming settlenienis • ,,, s.es, 1 should ]nopose, both (iom a princple of ju.sticc to the State and out of regain tu ilie well-being of the Indians themselves, to make such settlements entirely .self-supporting, trusting ll;)r the means of doing so, to the voluntary contributions in labour or money of the natives themselves; and secondly, to the proceeds of the .sale or lease of a part of the land reserved, whicii might be so disposed of, and applied towards the liquidation of the preliminary exi"- o( the settlement. P.^ f 10. The plan settlements, appe expense by Congr 358,000 dollars fe for the four years came to the large Indians in those s system pursued h\ ' Their objects, kind; the Indian; veil fed and clol impihigc. »"'l ""^ to, tiiemselves, th havinp been traine freed from control were more helplcs 11. With such .no acquired, we m the {,'icat expens( Indians independt were wrecked the to cultivate the j largely possesses f 12. I would, fo tlie reserved land them however, fo should be taught encouraged ami f! earnings to the i)i at their own disp( heings, capable o placed under pro laws, to provide f 13. Having to whicli you recpiet iiifonnation you c The Right Ho &c. Copy of DESPi (No. 116.) Sir, i have iii last, acknowlcdgl ohservations tliei 2. The highly approval of my c Her Majesty's (i reposed in me, i; 3. My subseqi you express you the probable Ke^ 4. I feel muc imported articlei I have borne tl unrestricted ind smuggling, and PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 69 10. The plan followed by tlic Government of the United States, in making Indian linmoH settlements, appears in many respects objectionable ; they are supported at an enormous C'tniMiuA, expense by Congress, which for the fiscal year ending June 30, lH5(i, granted the sum of 358000 dollars for the suppoitand maintenance of the Indians of California alone, and for the four years ending with the .'K)th .lime 18.>8, the total expenditure (or that object came to the large sinn of 1,1()4',00() dollars, and notwithstanding the heavy outlay, the Indians in those settlements are rapidly degenerating ; neither would 1 recommend the system pursued by the founders of the Spanish missions in California. ' Their objects, though to a certain extent mercenary, were mainly of a benevolent kind; the Indians were educated and trained in the Roman Catholic fiiith ; they were well fed and clothed, and they were taught to labour ; but being kept in a state ot pupiliige, and not allowed to acquire pro|)erty of their own, nor taught to think and act foi lliemsclves, the feeling and pride of independence were effectually destroyed ; and not liavinc been trained to habits of self-government and self-reliance, they were tbund, when liccdfiom control, altogether incapable of contributing to their own support, and really were more lielpless and degraded than the untutored savages. |], With such beacons to guide our steps, and profiting by the lessons of experience so acquired, wc may perhaps succeed in escaping the manifest evils of both systems ; tlie f;rcat expense and tiie debasing influences of the American system, by making the Indians independent and the settlements self-supporting; and to avoid the rock on which were wrecked the hopes of the Spanish missions, I think it would be advisable studiously to cultivate the pride of independence, so ennobling in its efi'ects, and which the savage largely possesses from nature and early training. 12. I would, for example, propose that every family should have a distinct portion of the reserved land assigned for their use, and to be cultivated by their own laboin-, giving tlicm however, for the present, no power to sell or otherwise alienate the land ; that tiiey jlioiild be taught to regard that land as their inheritiince ; that the desire should be encouraged and fostered in their minds of atlding to their possessions, and devoting their earnings to the purchase of property apart from the reserve, which would be left entirely lit their own disposal and control; that they should in all respects be treated as rational beings, capable of acting and thinking for themselves; and lastly, that they should be placed under proper moral and religious training, and left, imder the protection of the laws, to provide for their own maintenance and support. 13. Having touched thus briefly on the prominent features of the system, respecting which you recjuested my opinion, antl trusting that my remarks may convey to you the information you desired, and may not be deemed irrelevant. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Sir K. 13. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUCJLAS, &c, &c. &c CJovernor. 11 No. 54. Copy of DESPATCH from (Jovcrnor Douolas to the Right Hon. Sir E. H. I.vtton, Hart. (No. 116.) Victoria, Vancouver's Island, March IS, 18.0!). Sir, (Ucnivcil Miiy 10, IS,',!).) I HAVE had the honour of receiving your Despatch No. GO,* of the 30lh December last, acknowledging receipt of certain of my Despatches, and favouring me with a few observations thereon. 2. The highly gratifying manner in which you are pleased to express to mc your own approval of my course of action, and in which you assure me of the sense entertained by Her Majesty's (iovernment of my humble endeavours faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in me, is most acceptable and pleasing. 3. My subsequent Despatches will have put you in possession of the information which you express your anxiety to receive upon the subject of the resources of the Colony, and the probable Revenue to be derived during the present year. 4. I feel much indebted to you for your remarks in regard to the duty imposed u\)o\\ imported articles, and in respect to the amount of the duty itself. In all financial matters I have borne the axiom in mind, that a true jiolicy of all nations is to be f()unil in unrestricted industry, and that a system of high duties will lead to fraudulent invoices, to Bmuggliiig, and to otiier attempts to defraud the Uevenue. I conceived that those evils I 3 N". Ut. I'age 71 Rkitisii CnlIMIlIA. Pa" 70 PAPERS HELATING TO imiTISH COLUMBIA. would be inseparable fiorii an extravagant rate of duty, and that smuggling especially would be created if the duties exceeded the risk and expens' ■ of illicit intercourse; bu, in adopting a duty of 10 per cent, ad valorem, I believed I was not departing from these principles, for 1 did not consider that such an amount would bear too heavily upnf, industry, nor that it would furnish sufficient inducements for smuggling, except, perhaps in the single article of spirits, which might be surreptitiously introduceii by the overland route from the .American frontier. However, under the Proclamation of the %! of December last (copy transmitted in my Despatch of the 4th December, No. I'-'f), there |^ a considerable modification of the duties upon imports, many articles being free and othch at a low specific rate, so that the general ad valorem duty is dispensed with, and I am \^^^ to believe, that iii)on the average a very large reduction is made upon the 10 per cent rate. I have, &c. Tlie Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart. (Signed) JAMES DOUGLAS, &c. &c. Governor. 'o' &C. No. SJ, KtH'IiKunv * I'il-f (IK. I'-noNvsi No. 55. Coi'Y of DESP.A'l'Cil from (lovfenior Douglas to the flight Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton Bart. (No. 123.) Victoria, Vancouver's Lslaiid, March '25, 1S59, (Hcccivi'.l Miiy 10. lH.-,9.) Sir, (Answered, X(,. 64. May 14, IS.W, p. !)1.) Tin; mail steamer fjeing hoin-ly expected, I have the honour to commuii'catofor your information the occurrences worthy of note that have taken place since the date of my last general report contained in my Despatch of lie fOth instant, No. 111.* '2. (ireat excitement has been recently ..roduced in Victoria by the exhibition of;; nugget of piu'c gold weighing 1 1-| ounces, prociu'ed b}' tiie agents of the Itudson'.s n;i\ ("omj^aiiy from the Indians of Queen (Iliarlolte's Island. !S. 'J'liefv 3 a generally prevalent impression, founded on the di.scoverv of gold in tiiai island in the year fS.Ol, that it will yet beconi'.' a proLliictive i;old field. I'. 'J'he gold collected at that ])eriod, with the exception of so:ne water-boine pieces of small size and a him)) weighing 2"/ ounces found ers Kiver as soon as the snow disappears from the mountain passes. I iierewitli transmit his report upon the subject of his explorations, together with an accompaiiying sketch of the coast, which may probably affoid some points of interest. Mr. Downie lias no fixed .salary, but I nndei-took to finnish him with provisions and other means of travelling, provided he reported on the state of the country (or the information of Govern- ment. He is not therefore expensive to the Colon v, and may poss'bly, from his practical iavary Island has all the appearance of a farm under cnltivation, from the al)un(lance of grass oa it; la.^e p. itclics of farming land make it look verv enticinf; Imt tl le water is scarce for i'arminj; ])urpo xcelient pastures for stock all ;be year round. The mainland oiiposite this island changes in appearance witii regard to the rock formation: (piart/, and slate along the shore np to ."^arab I'oint. I kept cnicking the rocks as we went along, but have found no gold yet. We iurivcd safe into Desolation Sound: it docs (crtainly look sonu'wbat desolate in a snow storm; Imt will lie better when the wcatliei is tine. It will not do to condcnm it on account of its name. I am »('ll pleased with the prospect of this section. This is the tirst time I hav(> seen pure veins of snl|)huret of iron: it looks very nuicli like silver. At iijlivents, it is a good indication of a rich gold-hearing (|uart/. noitb of this. The tirst 1 saw of it was a small scpiare piece in the ])ossession of an Indian. I offered him some •cbaecii tor it, hut be would not ]iart with it- even if I gave him its weight in gold ; so 1 concluded not til care about it for a higlicr ju'lce, as tliere must be more of it not far oil'. I c;une across a number of •cams of the same kind: it lays in the (piart/, the same as gold; and there is no donl)t but further iKirth there is plenty of gold in the same rock. I may strike it yet on the sea-board at the bead of Mime of these inlets; at all events, it is worth a trial. I have uo idea that the gold is confined to l>'raser Kiver alone. If'ii can oiiU; be found from the sea-hoard, or on the rivers at the bead of some of these iiik'ts, the country will soon be prospected, Bute Inlet (llomaltlico), that runs so much furtiier mirth than Ibis inlet, has a large rivir einptyiiig ''itii it from the nortb-west. This river looks most favourable for gold, and I should much like to liavc |iiospei!cd it: Imt the Indians would not go, as they were afraid of the Fuclitus tribe; liut the principal mi'on was, that the canoe was small, and we were not allogether ]ire|)are(l to give it a fair trial. It was Minwing n:ost of the time, and rather discouraging for thi'in, and not very jileasaut for someliody else. Sii that, u]ion the whole, 1 llio iglit it was best not to go to Hole Inlet at that time, but wait until the weather was more settled. Camped near the K'ahous Indian village; they all jiaid me a visit, as a matter of course. 1 gave ;hp:ii all a small jiiecc of tobacco. T'licv seemed well |ile:ise(l; but they must have a look at our mining tools, and ciinoe, and blankets, and general a|ipearance. When they bad satisfied themselves iin fhese points, they told my Indians I was not a Tyce (this was the nukindest cut of all). .My hii'.aiis told tlicni 1 was a 'I'yee:* liiit it was no use. They said a 'I'yci' wouhl have a large canoe. :iiid plenty of lilaukcts; whereas there was nothing of the kind visible, only jiicks, pau'^, and old rocker, mil what was the use of that among Indians. .\ppearances were against me, and it wis no use to ask for time to explain, — as the iiistoni is uow- ailavs : wli(>n 1 bidugbt to .iiiud that such was the ways of the world, and erring man, I did >m'. feel disposed to find fault with the poor Klahous ii.diaus for liudiiig fault .lud judging trom oiitM.inl .qip":;;-- aiK-e. I'pou \rv whole. I gor along with liani vci-y ucll: iii fail, lic'ter. 1 lliink, tli;r,i if lh;'i'c ii.ni MuaoiDff a chiol, « person "f conifnncnoi' I 1 Jucliisiirv In m 72 I'Al'KHS UKI.ATINC. TO IHUTISH COLUMBIA. in mMl, Com miiia. lJ)'.si rocks in Dc^dlatidii Si o wliitr men witli nic. \Vc fjot ji fciV jpotatoos from tlicni; so there miint li« goincili 111? el. We went up to the lit'iid ot' the hilct, wlicrc iho '• Dctortcd Vill;if?c" is on tlic iimp: no Ind iiou. It looks us niiicli hko a dcscrtcil vi \nfH- to-day lis It (I I whi n it was naincd hy \ lain thfr, aiicijiivi,, Ahoiit two mill's aliinc this the river eomes in Irom the north-east. The sand washin;,' out ol'tl; has formed a larj,'e Hat at the head of the inlet, in som<' places dry at low water. We had some dii); »• riv|. 'iniltv "iitiniial in ^M'ttin^r the canoe into the river, wliieli i>i nUo shallow, hein^' filled np with sand from tlu< wash from tiie ni than ever I wa>, alllioii<,di I have never douhted the richness of this country. It will not he loiijf before the fjold deposits of British Coliimhia astonish the world. SeeiiifT that il was out of the (|uestioii to jiroceed further, we put hack, f,'ol a partiuff salute fnim il.v mg and trying ili',. the grissleys on tlir side of the moiiiilains as we were leaiiiig. The Indians awakened lli iiriiifi; at seal-, .--o they f(ave us a parting,' jjrow' I. W rocks, hilt did not discover any ffold. Lots of hiilphuret of iroi e (Mine ilowii aloii>; sliore, lire lire.'ik The land on eacli side id" the river is low, ai ill rll overllowed in many places in spnii};; lim, f all th-'' ■'' a trail can he found throii;,di, it will not lie dilliciill to make a road aloiiii the hanks of il,,, 11 down, we came throu'di the island named " Uedonda Til is is a Ihie pssscf shortens the distaii '■' 'loiit ten miles in going to Klahoiis Inlet, .so that there are actually two i insteiid o f one, as It IS II the (hart. land, Tl le di-tance from Klahoiis Inlet to Ilomathco Inlet (Mute Inlet on the chart) is ahoiit thirl y mill hut I could not get the Indians to go now in the small canoe, hut they will go with me anywhere; uml I prefer pnisjicctiiig alone with Indians to having white men with me. riie Indians tell me the colour of the water in the large river that conies in at the head of Hiiiiiathcn Iron tl le norlli-west, is the range of t^neen Cliiirlotti' Island, and tl i' is where I must get gi laser Ifni'r hi d when I get up there I will he in or near llio \\( id il hard jiassage to Nanainn i ut arrived all rigid. Paid oil" tiie Indians, am heard In nil (,'a])tuin Stewart that he had forwarded s ,(. plies to .larvis' Inlet, hy order of your lAcelleiicy, so ijiai all aai all reai V for a start again to Desolation Sound, if I had a small hoat with a de ine a little more comfortahh! : hesides, the wages of IndiaiiK soon amount to the iirice of a ( ck on It to iiiiiki' eked I Hiat. mucli less vnj]; His KxccUoney .F. Douglas, Ksq., C.I5., Cioveriior, i;e. \V>i. Dowx; PAPERS RKLATINCl TO nUlTISlI COI.lJNflUA. ?.•» Des|)iitc'hcs from t!ic Secretary of Stuto. No. I. Copv of DKSl'A'lYMI ('mm Sir K. 11. Iatios, ISiirl., to (lovrrnor Doiuil.^s, C.i'. (IViviilc.) >^,B, Downiiit; Siicl'I, Di'd-mht-r Ki, IS.'iS. I iiAVi; to ncknowlc'ilgc the receipt of your I'riviiti' " Dt'spntcl) of flic Itli of OcloliLT, aiinoiiiiciiijf to me your iu'cept;iiiee of the olliee of (Jovernor of Uritisli Colunibiii, iiiul your iiitentioit, in ciiiise(|tienci-, to take early measures for wiflidrawinu; from the iludson's Hny Company, anil ilisposinir of your Pusjet Sound stock. 1 have on former occasions assuri'd yon of the liij^li estimation in which I hold the viffoiir and ability you have displayeil in the incipient staiivs of a Colony that promises to be so noble an accession to the dominions of our Sovereii;ii, and it i;;ives me |)ecniiar pieasiire to (ind that you are disposed to continue yonr as^istan(•e towards the develop- ment of resoiu'ces which were first bronalit to light under your administration of Vancouver's Island. You state your belief that the sum of l,(i()()/. a year would be wliolly inadeiiuate for the befittinj^ salaiy of tin- (Jovernor of a Colony in which the necessaries of life far exceed tlie standard in I'jii;land. Since the date of the Despatch ill wliicii that sum was named the inlbrmalion that has ri'ached me is, as you are aware, much less vajjne as to thi; valni- of the u;ohl liehls than it was when, immediately on my accession to oflice, I foresaw that we shoulil lose no time in securing law and iToveriiment to a district hitherto uid ncedhss to discii-s the p ssihle heintits oreviK whieh ^'K•ll pccuniaiv n«sistaiice mij;ht produce, iiiasimu-h as I am fully >ati>tieil that Parliament would regai'il with j^ieat disfnvoin-auy proposal of a jjilt or loan to liic extent yon sui,';jest. and upi'n such a principle as that on which you would reconniu-nd the application to Pariiii""'"' heinn n)ade. Mut I cannot avoid reminding yon, that the results, men if the obicct could he attained, would, accoiiliiij; to all past experience, he of a vcrv ipies- lionahle character. 'l"he lavish pecuniary cNpenditnie of the Mother (Country in (iiundin^ new Colonies has heen f^eiierally tbniul to discoinage economy, hy leadinj^ the minds of men to rely on foreijrn aid instead of their own exertions; to interfere with ihi' healthy action hy which a new connnunity provides step hy step for its own recpiiremeiits; and („ produce at last a fjeneral sense of discouragement and tlissalisliiction. For a ("oionv to thrive and devi-lope itself with stedfist and healthfiii progress, it slioidd from the tii>i |)f as far as possible sell-supporting. lean assure you that in hringing these general consiilerations under your notice, I hv no means overlook the special circumstances of the case of Hriiish Columhi i, nor do I at all under-estimate tlie iliHicidties. and the anxiety which they nuM oceasioh you. IJiii I need not imjiress on one so accustomed as yourself to the details of public business and the conduct of financial entirprises, that even under more unfivourable prospects than those of a Colony, of which the resources along with the neci'ssities arc ra|)idly aug- menting, there is room for exercising the control of a juiliciiius economy, and for adapting yoin' objects to such means of attaining them as you may possess, \or nnist you forget that we have contributed from this country the aid which you state to be the most immediately and imperatively required. You will not only li;ive a naval and military force adequate, I trust, to secure respect to order and law, but liie military part of that force will at once assist in the construction ot' roads and bridges, the want of which is so sensibly felt. I look to the Hoyal Kiigincers under Colonel .Moody, and the able officers at his command, for tiie opening of tlie readiest and s|)ee'.liesi means of access and com- munication. In selecting from Her .Majesty's forces those connnoidy known by the name of Sappers and Miners, I bore in mind the necessities of a wild country without barrack accommodation, these being the soldiers who could, with tin- most case and rapidity, cover themselves; and I thus enabled you to postpone costly buildings for the acconunodation of troops, until you could raisi' from Colonial resources the means by which such improved accommodaliou might be provided. 'I'lu' military pay of this force the Home (iovernmeiit may for tiu' present contrihiUe ; but witii regard to the |)ay and expenses which belong ])inely to Colonial .services, I shall expect that llu? proceeds from land sales, which are the ai)j)ropriate fund tor all collateral costs of survey, will suUice to provide for these objects, and 1 should ri'garil any advance iijion that score .is a tem- porary accommodation to be defrayed from the earliest sales. No doubt it might be more agreeable to the pride of the first foumlers of a Colony which promises to become so important, if we coiilil at once throw up pid)lic buildings, and institute establishments on a scale ada])ted to the prospective grandeur of I lie infant settlement. But after all, it is on the character of the inhabilauts that we muust rest our lioi)es for the land we reileem from the wilderness ; and it is by self-exertion, and the noble spirit of self-.sacritice which self-exertion engencler.s, that communities advance through rough beginnings to permanent ureatness. 'riierefbre it is not merely for the .sake of .sparing the Mother Country that 1 invite your cordial and intelligent co-operati'>u in .stimulating the pride of the colonists to submit to some necessary privations in the fi'st instance, and to contribute liberally and voluntarily from their own earnings (which appear to be so considerable), rather than to lean upon tlie British Parliament for grants, or for loans, which are rarely re|)aid without discontent, and can never be cancelled without .some loss of probity and honour. Jt is my hope that when the time arrives for representative institutions, the Colony may be committed to that grand experiment U4ieinbarrassed by a shilling of debt, and the colonists have proved their fitness tljr sell- government by the spirit of indej)eiulence which shrinks from extraneous aiil, and schools a community to endure the sacrificctv by which it guards its own .safety and proviiles for its own wants. I have .said thus much in commendation of the strictest thrift at the onset. But whether this thrift can be with the greatest safety exercised in the construction of public buildings, the creation of establishments, the number and salaries of otTicers engaged, or otherwise, 1 cheerfully leave to the discretion of a (jovernor who has shown liimselt' so provident and sagacious. Mmriiiif (ki t mhu. ■: ' '■% i^y i'i^ . (•I .\^ SMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^ ^Ai ft xSSw „, Downing Street, March 10, 1859. With reference to vour Despatch, No. 37,* of the 27th of November, I have to ♦ Page 3C. acquamt you that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have, at the recommendation of Rear- Admiral Bayncs, given orders for two gun-boats to be fitted for service in British Columbia. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B., (Signed) E. B. LYTTON. &c. &c. &c. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor No. 16. Copy of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. Douglas, C.B. (No. 32.) ^'"' Downing Street, March 15, 1859. I HAVE received your Despatch of tiie 6th January, No. 65,* forwarding with Copies of two letters from Judge Begbie, the copy of an Order of Court, regulatin"- the admission of Barristers and Attornies to the Court of British Columbia. ° I regret that there should be no duly qualified English Lawyers to practise in the Court, and that it has been therefore necessary to admit foreign Counsel. But as tlie arrangement which you report is plainly unavoidable and only temporary, I offer no objection to it. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) E. B. LYTTON &c. &c. &c. n. T Page 52. 89 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. n British Columbia. No, 17. * I'age 41. No. 18. • Page 38. No. 19. Page A?. No. 20. No. 17- Copy of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor Douglas. (No. 33.) Sib, Downing Street, March 19, 1S59. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 42,* of the 4th December last, transmitting copies of two Proclamations issued by you, the first conferring on yourself and your succcssoi's the power to convey Crown lands within the Colony of firitinh Columbia, the second imposing duties on imports into British Columbia. I have laid these Proclamations before the Queen, and I urn commanded to acquaint you that Mer Majesty has been pleased to approve them. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B., (Signed) E. B. LYTTON. &c. &c. &c. • I'agcs 47 Enclosure I. No. 18. Copy of DESPATCH from Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to (iovernor Douglas, C.B. (No. 36.) Sir, Downing Street, March 22, 1859. I HAVE received your Despatch, No. 80,* of the 22iid January last, and have learned with satisfaction that the difficulties at Fort Yale and Hill's Bur have been adjusted. I approv^ ourse taken by Colonel Moody in proceeding to Fort Hope with a party of Mi > and Uoyal Engineers to maintain order. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B., (Signed) E. B. LYTTON. &c. &c. &c. No. 19. Copy of DESPATCH from Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor Douglas, C.B. (No. 39.) Siu, Downing Street, March 24, 1859. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 10* of the 21st of January, reporting on the state of the Colony up to that date, and forwarding a sample of gold found at Stonia, on the Eraser river. I have, &c. Govsrnor Douglas, C.B., (Signed) E. B. LYTTON. &c. &c. &c. No. 20. Copy of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor Douglas. (No. 48.) Sir, Downing Street, April 11, 1859. Immediately after the receipt of your Despatches of the 27th December and tiie 8th January last, Nos. 50 and G8,* reporting the di.stiirbances that had taken ])lace at Fort Yale and the measures whicii you so successfully adopted for jjutting them down, I con- ferred with the proper authority in Ireland, witii the view of ascertaining whether and how your requisition for a detachment of the Irish Constabulary Force could be complied with. I have now the honour to forward to you the copy of a letter fiom Lord Naas, with an enclosure from the chief inspector of the constabulary, from which you will see that it is impracticable to meet your wishes without first obtaining from you specific answers on the various points of detail which are mentioned in SirH. J. Brownrigg's letter as defective in your Despatches. In forwarding this communication I must state in perfect frankness that it is totally impossible for Her Majesty's Government to undertake the expense, partially or otherwise, which this proposed police force would entail. I coultl not reconcile it to my sense of duty, nor indeed would it be consistent with the spirit of my repeated Despatches to you, to appeal to the House of Commons for the establishment ot a police force in a Colony where a large revenue may be confidently anticipated, and into which a great population is rapidly flowing. From that population you must derive the means of maintaining the peace of the coimtry. I would remind you that by that pro- PAPERS RFXATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. . LYTTOX. to Governor 8S ceeding a habit of self-rcliiincc will be en>reiulcrccl which would be sei iously inipiiireil, if nniTisn when disturbances arise, and they cannot but be expected to occur occasionally in a C'oiumbu. Colony composed of persons drawn from so many different nations, you have recourse to Imperial assistance. With respect to this particular disturbance, if so it can be called, at Fort Yale, 1 entertain a strong impression that if, when the police failed in the per- formance of their duty, volunteers had been called for, there would have been found no deficiency of zeal, or offers of service on their part. Certainly if the inhal)itants of British Columbia find it easier and cheaper to employ others to protect them Her Ma- jesty's Government will by no means object, provided the colonists recognize the principle that they must pay for the expense. But I must repeat to you that before any such expenses are incurred it is incumbent on you as Governor of the Colony to redeem the obligations already owing to this country. Her Majesty's Govern men tare pledged in my various Despatches to this,and I am constrained to insist upon the pimctual fulfilment of the pledge. Kncioiurr a. I enclose the copy of an account, which I have received for the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, s!iowing some of the primary charges incurred for Colonel Moody's party of Engineers. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) Enclosure 1 in No. 20. Sin, Irish OtHcp, London, March 21, 1 H "i9. Rkkkrrixg to your letter of the 8th instant, relative to sendiuff out a party of the Irish Constabulary Force to British Columbia, I bcfj to t^ansmi^ for the infonnation of Secretary Sir E(lwarSaii Francisco, 823 2 November 1,3, 10 ■ „ 18 - Cox mid Co., oil nccomit oi' Col. Moi'dy. Ditto - For passage of himself and two servants to British Columbia, For travelling ond incidental ex- penses while superintending the departure of the party of Itoyal Engineers to British Columbia, 250 58 5 4 November 15, December 4, M »» Ditto - For forage purchased on account of Britisli Columbia, 183 3 1 December 4. DcteinlK-'r 8 - Ciipt.lJ.M.l'areons For the service of the Royal Engi- neers proceeding to Victoria, Vancouver's Island, 40 DecemlKir 11, „ 10 - „ 24 - 1859. Jiiiiuiiiy 21 Cox luid Co., on account oi'Cniit. Ornnt. Capt. Parsons Ditto - To defray the expense of removing his family to British Columbia, For the service of the detachment under his command proceeding to Vancouver's Island. For the seivice of the Royal Engi- neers proceeding to British Co- lumbia, f Add — Advanced to Mr, Brew in 1 Nova 8cotia - - - - j £ 50 187 14 48 .i December 30, December 27. 10,422 8 100 G 10,522 8 6 Paymaster-General's Office, Whitehall, January 22, 1859. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. nt of Britiiii SiATKMKVT of tho AiivANc K i whii'h have Iwcn made to any i'ernonM on account of DniriMi Brituh CoLr.Mur.v out of Civil ContinKencies. Colliibu. When paid. /. I8,5H. Septcralicr I. September 27. Soptcmbcr 16, SoptcmWr 2,5, Octolxji- 29. Octol)er 29. Novfiiiber l.j. Novi'iiiluT 13. Nov(;ml)cr l.j. Decomber 4. December 4. Ueccml)er 14. December 30. December 27. OiU of Authority. Name. Bcnrlee. Amount ■ Wh«n pikld. AugiiHl 31 C. Urcw AilviuM'o ol' Halni'y usCbicr Iiinpector ol'l'iilii'i' ill KrillsbColiimbbi, mill 3(H) (» rf. — Septcnibi'i' H - „ 29 - NoTembiT a - w. n. nr;?bi.^ .1. Cooper • I'. Smitb . expi'iiHCN of tlic Joiinicy. I'liH.^iij,^! iillowiiiii'c on tippoilltllll'llt IIH .lliil(T|' of Hlilinll Cobllllblll. l*iiH«i){c iillinviiiice lis Harbour .Mas- ter nt Kwpiiiimit, Viincouver'w l^liinil, Lulters piiteiil, iiiidcr (tirat .Seal, 1 .iO 1 .JO () 39 17 '> 4 ■"• Dwcmbur 7 - H. Scott iuhI Co. • t'lectiiijf llir Colony of Cobiiiibia into n lirilinli colony, KxiH'iiHes of Cii )I. UoHsel'.s joiiniey to Uritinli Cu iinibia. l.W — f7s<» 17 4 No. 21. Coi'Y of DESPATCH from tiie Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor DOUOT.AS. (No. 50.) Sir, Downing Street, April 12, 185D. I HAVE received your Despatcli of tlie 7tli February, No. 95,* reporting generally upon the state of British Columbia to that date. The only remark I have to offer, beyond that of expressing my satisfaction at the favourable condition of affairs in the Colony, is to guard you against entertaining the impression that Her Majesty's Government can possibly countcnitnce your plan, in itself I do not doubt judicious for local interests, of purchasing or building a steam ve.s.sel for the service of the Colonial Government, on account of which you propose to draw on the British Treasury should your own funds fail. I would observe to yoti that in all my instructions, from the foundation of the Colony to the present moment, the principle on which I have proceeded, and whicii the con- stantly developing mineral wealth of British Columbia has so amply JMStitied, has been that of insisting that the Colony should defray the expense of its own requirements. It would indeed be strange tiiat this country should bu called upon to render pecuniary a.ssistance to supply the ever recurring wants of an infant settlement, whicli has been actually forced into existence through the ample supplies of gold aflbrded by the country it occupies. The pressing circumstances of the case have undoubtedly compelled Her Majesty's Government to advance funds for fitting out the party of Royal Engineers which was so early despatched to the Colony ; but these advances must be repaid, and it should be amongst the earliest of your financial ettbrts to do so. 1 can therefore only say that if you have the means of establishing a Colonial vessel,! trust that she will render you valuable service, but that I can hold out no prospect of assisting you in her purchase or construction. I may indeed add that certainly until the obligation above referred to to this country is discharged, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury would not feel themselves at liberty to accept bills drawn on thein for even temporary advances. I have, iic. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON'. &c. &c. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) No.ai. I'agu 61. No, 22 No. 22. Cory of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B, Lytton, Bart., to Governor Douglas. (No. 51.) Sir, Downing Street, April 12, 1859. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. y6,f of the 9fh of f Pagce^. February, transmitting a memorandum by Colonel Moody upon various subjects connected with his department, and the employment of the detachment of Royal Engineers. L 3 PAPERS RELATINO TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. BniTiHii Coi.I'MHtA. No. 'ja. Page 61. No. i*. t Page 64. t Page 78. I have no doubt that the appointnieiit!i locommentlod by Colnncl Moody would prove valuable ndditionH to the force undi-r his command ; but I am unable to sanction any increase in the expenditure of Colonel Moody's department, which might add to the .imn which will have to be voted by I'arliament an an advance (or tliis .service; and unleu therefore you can a!i,sure me that tills additional ex|)ense will be defrayed from the revenues of the Colony, I regret that I shall be com|)elled to withhold my sanction from the proposed appointments. I have, &c. Govei nor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON. (ke> &C. &c. (In the ab.scncc of the Secretary of .Stijte.) No. «3. Copt of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lttton, Bart., to Coverno.- Douglas. (No. 61.) Sir, Downing Street, May 5, 1859. I HAVE laid before the Queen your Despatch, No. 93,* of the 5tli of February, expressing the desire that the name of the future capital of British Columbia should be selected by the Queen. I am commanded to acquaint you that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to decide that the capital of British Columbia shall be called " New Westminster." You will therefore designate the city by that name, and will announce by I'roclaniation Her Majesty's decision to the inhabitants of the Colony. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) No. 24. Copy of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor Douglas. . (No. 62.) SiK, Downing Street, May 7, 1859. I have had before me your Despatcii, No. 104,f of the 19th of February, with ii copy of a Proclamation which you had issued for regulating the disposal of the Crown Lands in British Columbia. You will since have learned, from my Despatch, No. 10, J of the 7tii of February last, the principles which it appeared to me desirable to follow on tiiis subject. I am glad to perceive that the same views have very much prevailed in preparing the rules wliicli you have announced, and 1 have no objection to their general tenor. I trust, however, that on the receipt of my former Despatch you may have been led to reconsider the question of deferring payment of one moiety of the purchase money for two years. If ten shillings an acre be a higher price than can be rea.-ionabiy expected to be paid in cash, on which point I should be quite pre|)ared to defer to such judgment a.s you may form, I cannot but think that a smaller price with prompt payment would be preferable to incurring the numerous difficulties which invariably surround the attempt to enforce j)ayment by instalments. Under the present rules, if payment of the second moiety should be resisted, it would be extremely difficult to eject persons who by the very conditions of the case would have been in occupation of their lands for a period of two years. And again, if some of the landowners do pay their obligation, whilst others do not, a grievance arises out of the distinction. For these reasons, and for others adverted to in my previous Desfiatch, I shall still be glad that you should give this provision your reconsideration as to futine sales. The terms of sales already effected cannot of course be altered. The proposed reservation of one-fourth of the lots in the proposed capital for sale in the United Kingdom and the British Colonies appears to me decidedly objectionable. It can be of no use except to stimulate tiie acquisition of property by non-residents. This is one of the worst evils to which a new community is liable. The lots are bought by speculators who hold them on a chance of a rise in value, with the eflbct in the mean- while of obstructing the progress of the town, interrupting its communications, and creating a nuisance to the holders of adjoining lots. This provision should be rescinded. md if then you have i recall thos( luch revoci Govurno ike. Copy of (No. C 5lK, I u.w the ith of ] tlie appror.c I transmi liaii passed nient on tlu You will ] by Captain 7,000/.; am Treasury In lie rt'paiii b The Boai tlie nece.s.sai the Lords C iifficers on t the work, proper sites impress npo wiiicii is cal under your With ref Imperial T decide the contribute, practicable Governo &c. Sir, I .\M refleipt of yo copy of a rt'i coiiver's Islai In reply, ] do not appea department t established ; by Capttiiii !; Herman A ifcc. TilOUi;!! tl under the U Colonies. PAPERS RELATING TO URITISH COLUMBIA. H7 and if there be uny places either in the United Kingiioin or in other Colonieti, in wiiich you have already em|)(>wered any agenti* to si-ll npfciric lots, vchi should immediutely recall those |)ower», but recognizing of course uny salei effected hetbre the receipt of luch revocation. I have, &c. Governor Douglab, C.B. (Signed) CAllNAKVON. &c. Occ. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) Ukitiih CuLUMHIA. t., to Governoi" to Governor No. aa. Nu, a-.. Copy of OKSPA'l'CH from Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor Uouolas, C.B. (No. 63.) Sm, Downing Street, May 11, 18.59. I H.ivE received your Dcspatciies, No. 76,»of the 15th of January, and No. yo,* of * P«it«« »« »»fe the receipt of your letter of the 'iiind January last, transnutting, for the coiisilderatiou of tliiiiCoMnMittee a copy of a report frotn Captain llicliards of lier Majesty's ship " Pliunper," on the harbours of \'aii- couver's Island on the coast of British Columbia. In reply, I am to reiiuest you to state to Secretary Sir E. U. Lytton, that as tlic lights in question do not appear to belong to the class of Imperial lights, it does not fall within the province of this department to form an opinion or to give any recommendation as to the propriety of their being established ; 1 am, however, to transmit to you a copy of a memorandum which has hecn drawn up by Captain Sulivan, U.N., of this department, on the subject of these lights. I have, vtc. Herman Merivale, Esq., C.B. (Signed) Jamf.s Booth. &C. uCC. &c. Enclosure 1 iu No. as. .Sub-Enclosure. Memorandum on Vaxcouvkh's Isi.axd Lights, by Capt. Siii.ivan, R.N. Though these lights do not belong to the class of Imperial liglits, and therefore do not come directly under the Board of Trade, the following remarks may be of assistance to the Secretary for the Colonies. L 4 S ub-Knclo«iirp. 88 PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. British The lights on the Ameriran shore having been completed, it is very desirable that those required on Columbia, the Vancouver shore sliould also l)e frected as soon as possible. Th-; sites recommended by Captain Uiohards should be adopted. The two coast lights are equally important, and neither of them should be postponed. Hereafter another will be required, about midway between them, to make the coast ([uite safe. The harbour light is also very necessary. I presume that the local government will have to be assisted with funds from the Imperial Government. Should this be decided on it will prevent further loss of time, as the lanterns and light apparatus, which have to be sent from England, could be ordered at once, and sent out in about three months from this. Whether the funds are supplied from the Imperial Government or not, I should strongly advise that the works in the Colony should be entirely carried on with local means and material, as the plan of sending iron towers and buildings from England lias been attended with very great expense. 'ITie lanterns and apparatus should alone be sent from this country, a drawing of tlio lantern and top of tower being sent immediately to the Colony tor the information of the engineer who designs the towers, As the two American lights nearly ojipositc the proposed positions are lixed iightc, those on the Van- couver shore should be revolving. As the American light on Smith's Island is a revolving- half minute light, the proposed lighi on llaco Island should show a bright flash at intervals of ten seconds ; that at lionilla Point should have intervals of one minute. The height of the land at these positions is not mentioned. If high, a i)osition sliould, if possible, be found not exceeding 150 feet above the sea, in order to guard against the light being obscured by fog. If low, the tower should be higli enough to have the light at least Km i'cct aliove the sea ; about loO feet being in cither case the best height, if the laud allows it. The lights for both these positions should be of the first order, and would cost about 2,800/. for each lanteni and apparatus, l)esides the freight out. The cost of the work to be done in the Colony will depend much on the material at iiand and the height of the towers; but if the assistance of the ships of war is given, the expense would be reduced greatly. lOacli lighthouse and dwelling may, I think, be estimated at from 3,00(1/. to 5,000/., according to circumstances, or about 7,II00/. for eiu'h, including lantern and apparatus. The harbour light need only be a fixed light of the fourth order. The lantern, &c. would cost about 600/., and the buildings, \:c. ])erhaps 1,400/. The cost of the three lignts complete would, therefore, be about 16,000/., but unfavourable circum- stances as to material, labour, kc. might increase this to even 20,000/., but that ought to be t!ie outside. A single lighthouse of iron sent to the Bahamas, with engineer and workmen from England, iias cost nearly 20,000/. (Signed) B. J. Sli-ivax. March 7, 1859. Endoaure 2 in Kc. 25, *K.).7G,,Tan.l5. J,o.90,Fe'>.4. Enclosure 2 in No. -2"). Sill, Downing Street, March 31, 1859. WfTii re,''erence to your letter of the 9tli instant, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Bulwcr Lytton to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Lords of the Committee of I'rivy Council for Trade, the enclosed copies of two Despatches* from the Governor of British Columbia, calling attention to the urgent necessity for the erection of lighthouses in Fucas Straits and the approaches to the s irbour of Es(|uimalt, and I am to request to be informed whether the Lords of the Committee ,■1, i: ! wish to offer any further observations upon this subject, •air> desired to request that you will state to their Lordships that this department cannot apply to rarhamont for a grant of money for these necessary public works, nor has the Colony at present the means of paying for them. Under these circumstances, Sir E. Lytton would inquire whether their J.M '=,bips cannot include the required lighthouses within "tiie class of Imperial lights," and give the Colony some assistance towards their erection out of the funds placed at their Lordships' disposal for such services. I am, kc, J. Booth, Esq. (Signed) H. Mehivalk, Enclosuro 3 in No. 23. Enclosure 3 in No. 2.'! Sir, Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade, Whitehall, April 7, 18r)9. I Asi directed by the Lords of the Committee of I'rivy Council for Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, transmitting copies of two Despatches from the Governor of British Columbia, calling attention to the urgent necessity for the erection of lighthouses in Fucas Strait, and the approaches to the harbour of Esquimalt ; and stating that as the Colonial Office cannot apply to Parliament for a grant of money for these necessary public works, and as the Colony has not at present the means of paying for them, Sir E. B. Lytton is desirous of being informed whether my Lords cannot include the required lighthouses within " the class of Imperial lights," and give the Colony some assistance towards their erection out of the funds placed at their disposal for such services. In reply, my Lords direct me to state that, whilst there can be no doubt of the importance of the projiosed lights, they are required for the trade of the Colony, and not, as in the case of the lights in the Bahamas and elsewhere, for the trade which merely passes the Colony. Under these circumstances they are lights wliidi should, my Lords think, if practicable, be erected and maintained by and at the cost of the Colony rather than the Home Government. hose required on ghta are equally required, about ^cessary. m the Imperial interns and light it in about three ongly advise that 1, as the plan of t expense. 'ITie intern and top of isigns the towers, hose on the Van- viuf-half minute seconds;; that at hese positions is ' feet above the should be higli ler case the best t 2,800;. for each at hand and tlie tfould be reduced 5,000/., according , ke. would cost vourable cin'um- ought to be tlie •cm England, lias J. Sl'uvax. -larch 31, 1859. iry Sir I']. Bulwer Privy Council for I, calling attention pproaches to the )f the Committee t cannot apply to I^olony at present uire whether their hts," and give tiic ships' disposal for H. Mehivam- PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 89 But even if the lights in question could be said to belong to the class of Imperial lights, i.e., of K«ht8 which the Home Government is bound to erect or maintain for the purposes of the general nuging trade, their Lordships would still have no funds at their disposal out of which to erect or maintain them. y. . . . The only funds out of which my Lords can pay the expenses of Colonial lights are, first, sums raised by levying tolls under the Act 18 & 19 Vict c. 91.; aiid, secondly, sums voted by Parliament The present case does not appear to be one in which it is desirable to levy tolls under the Act in question, since the only trade which would pay the tolls is the trade of the Colony, and the Colony can itsetf, if 80 disposed, levy tolls on account of the lights in its own ports. And as regards monies voted by Parliament, it is to be observed that the only votes are votes taken by Ae Treasury on the responsibility of this department for the sernces of special lighthouses mentioned in the votes. If, notwithstanding the fact that these lights cannot be classed as Imperial lights, the circumstances of the Colony of British Columbia are such as to make it proper that these lights should be erected with Imperial instead of Colonial funds those circumstances are matters within the cognizance of the Colonial OHice, rather than of this department ; and if it is thought right that a vote for the purpose should be tiiken by the Treasury, the vote, should my Lords think, be taken on the responsibility of the Colonial Office, and the application to the Treasury for the purpose should be made by that office. If it should be decided to take a vote for the purpose, my Lords will be glad to give their best advice and aasistance in the matter. At the same time they could not, without obtaining further local information, state with a<:curacy and certainty what the expense to be incurred in the Colony in erecting these lights will be. A copy of a further memorandum by Captain Sulivan, ll.N., on the character and probable cost of these lights is enclosed, for Sir E. B. Lytton's information. I have, &c. Herman Merivale, Esq., C.B. (Signed) James Booth. &c. &c. &c. BRITItH COLITKBU Sub-Enclosure. Mkmorandum by Capt Sui.ivan, R.N. The importance of the two lights more particularly alluded to by Captain Richards cannot be overstated. If these two lights only are proceeded with at present, and if a 2nd order light, 80 feet above the sea, is adopted for Race Rocks, as suggested by Captain Richards, the cost will be much less than I have before stated. I think the tower, frc, of Race Rocks could probably be built for 3,000/., as it is now stated that materials are close at hand. A 2nd order flashing light apparatus would cost about 1,500/. to 1,700/., so that the whole expense would probably not exceed ■'),000/. The harbour light would probably be about 2,000/. If a grant of 7,000/. were made by the Treasury, these two lights might be proceeded with at once. The Colony ought soon to be in a position to repay the cost, or a toll mignt be levied on the shipping entering ports in the Colony that would soon repay this small sum. The local government mig:nt undertake their m;.intenance. I quite agree with Captain Richards in his suggestions, with the exception of his proposing a fixed light for Race Rocks. As the light on the American shore nearly opposite is fixed, this light should be flashing. I should have preferred a 1 st order light for Race Rocks, 100 feet high, but as the great difficulty is the expense, the 2nd order, 80 feet high, will reduce that considerably. I would desire more especially to point out that the trade through this strait must Ije rapidly increasing, that in long winter nights it will be dangerous to navigate such a strait wthout these lights, that the light at Dungeness on the American shore will be of no use to vessels rounding Race Island bound either to Esquimalt or Victoria, and that the wreck of a single British vessel might entail on persons in this country a loss far exceeding the cost of these two lights, or even of the three lights proposed, while the value of each of the ships of war on the station is far greater. (Signed) B. J. Sulivax. Sab-Enclofore. 'rade, Whitehall, ) acknowledge the n the Governor of ithouses in Fucas )nial Office cannot he Colony has not rmed whether my Its," and give the disposal for such importance of the Lse of the lights in ticable, be erected Enclosure 4 in No. 25. Sib, Downing Street, April 29, 1859. I AM directed by Secretary Sir E. B. Lytton to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, the enclosed copies of a correspondence which has passed between Governor Douglas, the Board of Trade, the Admiralty, and this department relative to tiie erection of lighthouses in Fucas Straits, and the approaches to Esquimalt Harbour, Vancouver's Island. Sir Edward Lytton thinks that it is difficult to overrate the importance to the interests both of British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, and also of the British shipping repairing to those Colonies, of the construction of the lighthouses requisite for the safe navigation of these waters. Independently of the losses from shipwreck which, failing such protection, must fall on the British merchant, and on the country at large in the event of the loss of any shijis of war, the amount of which would iar exceed the cost of the lighthouses, the reputation for danger which the navigation would in con- sequence acquire would have the effect of deterring trade from resorting to the Colonies, and a serious injury would be inflicted on their commercial progress. But although Sir Edward Lytton fully admits that Colonial as well as British interests are deeply concerned in the erection of the lighthouses, he fears that it would be impossible, at this early stage of the development of the resources of British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, to throw upon them the whole cost of their construction, while to delay the work until the Colonies are in a position to defray II. M Kncloiure 4 in No. 25. i 90 British colcmbia. Enclosure A ia No. 25. Sub-Enclosure. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. this expense, would be to incur the evils above adverted to, wnich promptness in carrying out this undertaking alone can obviate. Under these circumstances. Sir E. Lytton would recommend to their Lordship.s, as a matter of national importance and concern, that apnlication should be made to Parliament for a vote to establish the two lighthouses recommended by the jioard of Trade in their letter of the 7th April. The wlinlp estimated cost is 7,0((()/. Of this sum, Sir Kdward is of opinion that one moiety could be defrayed by British Columbia and Vancouver's Island, leaving the other moiety to be defrayed from Imperial funds. The cost of maintaining the lights would be borne by the Colonics. Hut as the matter is very urgent, Sir Edward would strongly recommend that a vote should be tak"n for the whole amount, leaving the Colonial proportion of the cost to be repaid by the Colonial Governments. Should their Lordships accede to this proposal. Sir E. Lytton will at once direct the necessary instructions to Govct.ior Douglas for the inpayment to the Imperial exchequer of the sum thus advanced. I am to request to be favoured with an early intimation of their Lordships' decision, as Sir K. Lytton would be glad to be able to communicate with Governor Douglas by t'.ic next mail, which leaves England on the 1st proximo. G. A Hamilton, I'>S(|. I am iVc. &.C, . Admiralty, April ao, l«il). I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to forward to you, to he laid before Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a ' Sill, letter from Hear- Admiral Baym on Vancouver'i reconimendati( The Under .SIR, I IIAVK I the great want of the Straits t and. The A Dmigcness; a 3ra. I woul harbour light ; present it is al 4th. !t woul Tjint, opposite The Seereta Sin, Im repl has passed rel harbour, Vanc^ to aci|uaint yoi taken for send proposed to be They also a Columbia, wit funds, and thai limited to thrt Their Lord^ the general es with the other Vancouver's Adverting Basses Rocks understanding that Sir E, ' will readily af they decline towers ; and (Juvernor Do site, and havii 11. Merival Copy of D (No. fi Sm, I II. A March last, your last ^ of explorat Desolation Governc &c. n. -■arrying out thU PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 91 Admiral Bayncs, C.H., C'ommandcr-in-C'hicf in the I'acifits pointing out the pressing necessity for lights on Vancouver's Island, hoth at the Race Rocks and at the entrance of Esquinialt Harbour, in which recommendation their Loniships entirely concuf. I am, kc. The Under Secretary of State, (^olonial Ollicc. (Signed) H. Connv. Britisb COLCMBU. '"rkuk, Ei.i.ioi, Sub-Knclosure. Sub>Enelo«ni«. VwrorvKii Isi.AN'i) Li(;rrruoi'.si;s. Ganges in Ksquiinalt Harbour, Vancouver Isknd, >;iii, November 2, 185f<. I HAVK to re(|uest that you will bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the great want whicli is felt by all vessels coming to Vancouver Island of a light on the north shore of the Straits of Juan de Kuca. 2nil. The Americans have three on the soulii side : one on ( 'ape Fiallety, or Clat^sel ; one on New Dungeness ; and one on Smith's Island, at the entrance of the Straits of Rosario. 3ro. I would strongly recommend that a light be placed on the Race Islands or Rocks, and a liarbour light at Es(|uimalt, which would enable vessels to enter the harbour at any time of night; at present it is almost impossilile after dusk, the entrance being so ditficult to distinguish. 4tl;. U would also be very desirable, though not of so much conse(|ueiice, to have a light on Roinlla r.iint, opposite Vn\)c Flattery ; this would render the navigation of the strait at all times easy. I have, iVc. (Signed) R. La.miit. Havxk.s, The Secretary of the Admiralty. Hear-Admiral. Commander-in-Chief. Sir, Iv reply to Mr. F.nclosure 7 in No. 2"i. 'I'rcasiu'y CiiamlKMs, May 4, 1859. Elliot's letter of the '29tli ultimo, enclosing copies of a correlfionuence which lias passed relative to the erection of lighthouses in F'ucas Straits and the a])proa<'lies to l^S(|uiinalt liarbour, Vanctouver's Island, I am directed by the Lords Connnissioncrs of iler Majesty's Treasury toacquaint you, for the information of Sir E. IJulwcr Lyttoii, that my Lords approve of measures being inircd a]iparatus reipi taken for sending out immediately from this country the proposed to be erected. They also approve of the sum of seven thousand pounds being inserted in the estimate for British Columbia, with the understanding that one-half of that sum will be hereafter repaid from C'olonial funds, and that the contribution from Imperial funds towards the erection of tli(> liglitliouses will be limited to three thousand five hundred pounds. Their Lordshijjs are of oinuion that it would be inexpedient In ))lacc.iuy portion of this charge uixm the general estimate for lighthouses abroad, and that it would be desiral)le to include it for the i)resent ffith the other items which are to be repaid wholly or in part from the revenues of British ( 'oliunbia and Vancouver's Island. Adverting to the excessive expenditure already incurred in the attempt to ere responsibility of the work, my Lords reiiuest that Sir E. B. Lyttoii will make (Jovernor Doiigliis fully aware that, altlKuigli tlii> Boiird of '1 rade will readily afford any advice or iufoiniatioii, and will send out from this country the ligiiting apparatus, they decline undertaking any respoiisiiiility as to the selection of 'he site or the coiistruction of the towers; and my Lords, iu sanctioning the estimate of 7,i'iMi/., trust that Sir l',. B. Lytton will instruct (Jovernor Douglas to consider himself responsible for site, and having the construction of the work properly for sclectins' the 11. Merivale, Es(|. \c. v.'. the adopti(m of (iropcr means superintended. I am, iVrc. (Signed) fiiio. A. Ha.miitox. Enclosure 7 in No. 25. r Majesty's Treasury if measures being for the two lighthouses s of the respective No. 2(5 Ri^ht Hon. Doi'cr, \s, , Sir C.B. K. U. LvTTO.v, Hart., to (iovcinor Copy of DESPATCH from tiie (No. 64..) Sm, Downing Stiect, May 14, 1859. I ii.wE to acknowledge the recci|)t of your Dcspatcli, No. 1'23,* of the 25tli of March last, containing an account of tlie j)rogrcss of British Columbia .since the date of your last general report, and enclosing a letter from Mr. Downie, .stating the result of explorations whicli lie iiail carried on under your sanction in Jarvis' Inlet and Desolation Sound. 1 iiavc, &c. Governcr Douglas, (;.B. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) No, 2C. Page TO. II. N 9B PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. Bmtmh No, 27. ' ' CoLHifBUu Copt of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor No."- Douglas, C.B. (No. 67.) Sir, Downing Street, May 20, 1859. • Pagef.8. I "AVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatcii, No. 114,* of the 14th of March, on the subject of the policy to be observed towards the Indian tribes, and containing your opinion as to the feasibility of locating the Indians in native villages, with a view to their protection and civilization, I am glad to find that your sentiments respecting the treatment of the native races are so much in accordance with my own, and I trust that your endeavours to conciliate and promote the welfare of the Indians will be followed by all persons whom circumstances may bring into contact with them. But whilst making ample provision under the arrange, ments proposed for the future sustenance ami improvement 01 the native tribes, you will, I am persuaded, bear in mind the importance of exercising due care in laying out and defining the several reserves, so as to avoid checking at a future day the progress of the white colonists. I have, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) C.\ RN A R VON. &c. &c. (In the absence of tlie Secretary of Stiite.) I am gli locality yo been judic lubdivide I commu Secretary < which I h to the rem necessity fb a port in th No. 28. No. 28. Copy of DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir E. B. Lvtton, Bart,, to Governor Douglas. (No. 70.) Sir, Downing Street, May 23, 1859. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your private letter of the 10th February, in which you represent the inadequacy of the .salary assigned to the office of Governor of British Columbia, The frankness witii which you have explained yourself in a matter of personal concern and of much delicacy is fully appreciated by me. It relieves me of the embarrassment which often attends communications upon such subjects, and enables me to address you with correspo' fmg candour. It is impos.sible for me to question for a moment the statements you make as to the expen.ses unavoidably devolving upon you as the Governor of Vancouver's Island and British Columbia, nor the present extreme dearness of every necessary of life in those Colonies. I yield, therefore, to the conviction that your emoluments have been fixed at too low a rate, and I am prepared to sanction an addition to your salary of ! ,200/, out of the local receipts of the current year, provided that the Revenue of British Columbia amounts in the aggregate to not less than 50,000/, The numerous Despatches which I liave ad- dressed to you explaining the impossibility of imposing on this country any of the charges of Government for a Colony which has been forced into existence by its gold discoveries, relieve me of the task of repeating that I cannot depart from the principle by whicli, in this respect, I have been guided from the outset. You will accordingly distinctly understand, that whilst I am happy to meet your wishes to the extent above named, the addition in question can only be made out of Colonial resources, and on the condition stated, I Iiave, &c. Governor Douglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON, &c, &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) No. 29. Cc-Y of DESPATCH from the • PagM 19 and 59. No. 29. Right Hon. Sir E, Douglas, B. Lytton, Bart., to Governor (No. 71.) Sir, Downing Street, May 24, 1859, I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches, No, 9,* of the 3d of November last, and No, 92,* of the 4th of February, reporting the site which you had sclicted on the banks of the Fraser River for the capital and seaport of British Columbia. PAPERS RELATING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 98 to Governor I am glad to perceive that both Colonel Moody and yourself agree in opinion that the locality you have described is the one best adapted for the purpose. It appears to have been judiciously selected, and I have to approve the steps you have taken to survey and subdivide the site into building lots for sale. I communicated your Despatch to tlie Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War, and I transmit to you, for your information, the copies of the letters which I have received from those departments in answer. I have to call your attention to the remarks offered by the Lords Commissioners of tlie Admiralty witli regard to the necessity for stationing a pilot vessel at the entrance of the river, and to the selection of a port in the northern portion of the Colony. I have, &c. Governor Oouglas, C.B. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. (In the absence of the Secretary of State.) British CoLUMHIA. Knrlniiure 1 1 Eni'lomire 2. Sir, Enclosure 1 in No. 29. Admiralty, May 10, 1859. Havixo laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 26th January last, with its enclosurcH from the Governor of British Columbia on the subject of the establishment of a seaport town for that Colony, on which Secretary Sir Edward Lytton wished to receive any obser- vations which my Lords might have to offer on this important matter, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you, for the information of Sir E. Lytton, that if Vancouver's Island he included, there is no doubt but that Esquimalt is the best harbour in the vicinity of the Colony of British Columbia, and that on its shores would be the site for a seaport town. The harbour is easy of access, it has sufficient depth of water for the largest ships, ample space, good shelter, fresh water, a large supply nf timber fit for ships' masts and shipbuilding, and every requisite for a harbour, either naval or mercantile, and from its natural advantages must be eventually one of the great sea- ports of this part of the coast. Vancouver's Island, however, is not at present within the limits. of the Colony of British Columbia; and if a site for a seaport town within those limits is required, my Lords are not aware (until a more extended survey is made) that a better can be found, in the southern part of the Colony, than on the Fraser River, at the spot pointed out by Governor Douglas, just above Annacis Island of the charts, on the north bank cf the stream, at about 14 nautical miles within the sand heads, and 10 miles below Fort Langley. It is here that the rising ground begins ; the river is 400 yards broad, or wider and deeper than the Thames at London Bridge ; the shore is bold, suitable for wharves and quays for vessels to lie alongside, and ships with a fair wind might reach so far without difficulty under sail. The site is well placed, locally, in a military point of view, and it has the river between it and the boundary line. It is, however, not far from the frontier. The channel into the river, as far as is yet known, is rather tortuous ; it is reported to have a depth of 18 feet at low water, with a six feet rise of tide, and it is not exposed to any very heavy sea. When Captain Richards, in Her Majesty's ship " Plumper," can find time to examine the bar and buoy off the channel, it may prove to be better. Should this site be adopted, it would be absolutely necessary to station a pilot vessel at the entrance of the river, which should also he fitted to serve as a light-ship by night, and should sound a gong or ring a bell in foggy weather. With respect to a site for a seaport town in the more northern portion of the Colony, it would be better that this question be postponed until Captain Richards has had an opportunity of examining the coast There are numerous inlets, but at present the information is so limited that it would be unwise to hazard a conjecture as to the next best site. I ha\e, i!cc. Herman Merivale, Esq., C.B. (Signed) W. G. Romaixk. &;c. &c. &e. Enclosur.' I ia No. i\). , to Governor Enclosure 2 in No. 29. Sir, War Office, April 30, 1859. I Axi directed by Secretary Major-General Peel to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, covering the copy of a Despatch and of its enclosure from the Governor of British Columbia respecting a site for the seat of government in that Colony, and I am to observe that it is to he regretted Lieutenant-Governor Moody's report is unaccompanied by any plan or sketch, which if only sufficient to mark the locality in a very slight degree, would have afforded a more perfect understanding of the particulars adverted to; but so far, however, as can be judged from a written description, the conclusions in the report seem very sensible and well-judged. I have, kc. The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. (Signed) B. Hawks. Enclojure 2 in No. 29. L •■ I I i ill i it' 'jj-y riy rrr T* *. ^ "' 'f '»♦■■ LONDON: Trintea by George K. Eyrk and William Spottiswoode, I'riulers to tliu Qupeu's most Excellent JIajestj-. For IIc'i- Jlajesty's Statiouerj- Office. ■ ■.m, f*:- 'J(ttT. 'I- ^' .%. in w M- \^. '^S.^. ..^L ^. J J- I- 1 . .- i .T-i- * -4-f I a ...J - u*« I2^« r.'7 111*'. .y«^ -V %w /An^« N*« h., N Eiu-'J-ix ;.i.. iPK'^' t ..i.i-LJ. "'«fe ■^. in a»y> tf i-Biiaijj^. yji "VW^-."""*!.'""""' 1%.. Wt w ;i: L<»1 ^ '4/ Tbululj ■■■v.*r .'I ;T^fl|^WV \y. y i,V / .,* Vj r 1/ ■*^ -;>*< \ "% ; X' IfiL •-'*'* '»'K, rluliiw f Bolib ■"IfitifimfJ'- ^ * L«ke" 96ji. Wj-<^„.. ^. *l':?^#fc mil '■ • . ■■■-■ V4^^#* *;«,., fr«^-- ,.?.lffi.- I s^ 7 ''■■i -"■'«, JP<.1|I! ^'^^•■'^-^ff Ef w ./:/ sfOierV^Ufitlb: ^• u o >r uf'-A v-k 'Vi'«C''!-4 ^'^ in C >*7f''""'Jy k,.*i i B.^i'T .o-'J Jivn..« y: DrfSSU MUbwU 5^""'^.'''/ ■ntitickAnar J i #^ n 'I - '•■'I'T- ti li \ Brmfurd n- S»<^' .j-JTi. ^-ihlS^lLulAMh. ^.mi^ .: J_L s — t-U. , H I .i, tM .iSiiiL THF. PHOVINCKS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA&VANCOUVER ISLAND wmi i'(»«ii()Ns OF Tin: UNITED STMES & HUDSON'S BAY TERRITORIES. <'oiii|iili-il IVom ORUilNAL DOCUMliNTS. by JOHN ARHIIM'SHITU V M A' '^. 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J '^vv""-^ -j '"•ii; ■A '^. \. , ,\> I . 1 S ^ VmAtnoriii '"• 6rajj ^— "^■. — Ij ^• ^^'^'ijjm.jlffljkj^ iiililn. -'.♦/ .y ■ it '^ ^^\ ItQUrrfl *^iiuth ic .).>/.<• .^(;lJi IhtfhmUtafBntialiColimhia.MHiuluui Qiutn iTuirlvUr P' ' ■'■ /.■'' ly .V ■■•mtaui.i iiUiij :.•:::.(> .■i^ii,ii,- .Milr.i hwb.^h The.M VmtvmiT Itki^tl V I)- ll.uO If D' ' W /^'.^ A I a. M/t ^•5' .'i„!iH 1 «-j Jr!p l'^ till JoAfi .-IrrvHSinJiJ) li/A.J^M. PLAN of Part of F R A S B R 8 RIVER Shfwlng tlir Character of the Ground ^M Ou, Erurojue to t/i£ Site or Ol/t Fort La7i^ley A'cale or MUf..i 1 2 * Point, Koberts __ fft:w WKHTMIXSrHH °^*K^ Hsilk litre i^ I HMil iMlVflnd wilh Piiifii •'^ jccii^iiiri^'^*' 4 o_^ //',(/ /i /. a. /I a!. n II n /I '/ .W /I r.i /i Lat. 49' berts i>bAf> .■irnmsmj/Jr ii/A.MiU