James Douglas’ first message to Earl Grey, secretary of state after obtaining position of Governor of Vancouver Island

James Douglas’ first message to Earl Grey, secretary of state after obtaining position of Governor of Vancouver Island

British Columbia
19th century
Vancouver Island
First Nations
Justice
Despatch
James Douglas
crime
settler colonialism

This source is a letter from the newly appointed James Douglas, governor of Vancouver Island to the secretary of state in England. This letter discusses the immediate occurrences and issues in the colony at the time, including the decision of Douglas to demand the execution of 3 native people accused of murder, which was then carried out by their own tribe members. This source was written at an early stage of the integration of the natives into the colonial settlements and shows the extent to which the colonists were unafraid to accuse and execute Indigenous people for criminal activity which is highly indicative of the lack of hesitation by the colonists in interfering with and altering the lives of the natives. This links clearly with the theme of settler colonialism as it shows the early and immediate impact of the colonial justice system on the tribes in the area.

James Douglas, Governor of Vancouver Island

Colonial Despatches

Link: http://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/imageBrowser.htm?image=co_305_03_00067r.jpg

31 October 1851

Samuel Armitage

Colonial Despatches

Link: http://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/imageBrowser.htm?image=co_305_03_00067r.jpg

English

Textual - handwritten letter

19th century British Columbia