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Douglas, James, Sir, 1803-1877
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James Douglas family fonds

  • PR-1428
  • Fonds
  • 1827-1900

The fonds consists of notebooks, letterbooks, account books, and the death certificate of James Douglas. Fonds includes several diaries kept by James Douglas and one diary kept by Martha Douglas, various official papers to do with the governing of the west coast, correspondence between members of the Douglas family, household calling cards, a book owned by Cecilia Douglas, and Lady Amelia Douglas’ bible.

Douglas family (James Douglas)

James Murray Yale fonds

  • PR-0057
  • Fonds
  • 1826-1871

The fonds consists of incoming correspondence from James Douglas and others, miscellaneous papers, receipts, personal accounts and accounts with the Hudson's Bay Company.

Yale, James Murray

Joseph Morrison interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1963-02-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Joseph Morrison talks about the early years of Fort Langley from 1860 to 1890. Born at Fort Yale in 1861 [sic]. His father, Kenneth Morrison, came west via Edmonton. Buildings at Fort Langley. His grandfather, Ovid Allard, was Chief Factor. The steamboat "Fort Yale" blows up in 1861. Miners bound for Cariboo. Job on CPR construction. Indians living near Fort Langley. Visits of Judge Begbie and Sir James Douglas. Farms; school at the fort; more on the "Fort Yale". Arrival of fur brigades in the spring; celebrations. [TRACK 2: blank.]

Kenneth McKenzie family personal and business papers

The McKenzie Family collection consists of the business and personal papers of Kenneth McKenzie (1811-1874), his ancestors and descendants, including correspondence, notebooks, diaries, and other papers. It documents over one hundred and fifty years of family history. The collection is divided into those records relating to Vancouver Island (Boxes 1-19) and those relating to Scotland (Boxes 20-25). The Vancouver Island papers contain correspondence and documents pertaining to Lakehill Farm, the settlement of estates, official appointments, and other family matters. They also chronicle the organization and operation of Craigflower Farm and, to a lesser extent, the other farms operated by the Puget's Sound Agricultural Company on Vancouver Island. The Scottish papers document family events, relationships and property from 1779 to 1852. Included is an extensive record of the protracted settlement of the estate of William Blair (Boxes 22-23). William Blair was the father of Janet McKenzie (Blair).

Born in Edinburgh October 5, 1811, the son of Dr. Kenneth McKenzie (1786-1844) and Janet Blair (1784-1820), Kenneth McKenzie was raised and educated in the same city. Later he moved to his father's estate of Rentonhall, Haddingtonshire, East Lothian where he managed the operations. The estate was sold in 1851 and McKenzie, his wife Agnes Russell (1823-1897) and their six children emigrated to Vancouver Island in 1853. McKenzie had been hired by the Puget's Sound Agricultural Company to oversee the establishment and operation of Craigflower Farm near Victoria. In 1866 the family, now with eight children, moved to Lakehill Farm just north of Victoria. Kenneth McKenzie died there April 10, 1874. A comprehensive biography of Kenneth McKenzie by William R. Sampson is in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, X, pp.477-479. A rough genealogy of the McKenzie Family is provided in the hardcopy version of the finding aid.

Numbers appearing at the upper left corner of documents are references to the old catalogue system and should not be used for citation.

Boxes 1-4: Kenneth McKenzie (1811-1874) and family: correspondence inward
Box 5: McKenzie, Kenneth (1846-1906): correspondence inward
Box 6: Kenneth McKenzie (1811-1874) and Kenneth McKenzie (1846-1906): correspondence outward
Box 7: Kenneth McKenzie (1811-1874): notebooks and personal papers
Box 8: McKenzie Family: notebooks, diaries, correspondence and personal papers
Box 9: McKenzie Family: material relating to Lakehill property
Boxes 10-18: Craigflower Farm
Box 19: Puget's Sound Agricultural Company
Boxes 20-25: McKenzie family: material relating to Scotland. N.B. See also box 25 for further material relating to the estate of William Blair, d.1800

Ker family papers

Correspondence outward (1864, 1868) and inward (1861-1871) of Robert Ker, Colonial Auditor for Vancouver Island, with some of his commissions (1864, 1865, 1868), an indenture (1844), miscellaneous notes; correspondence of R.H.B. Ker and David Russell Kerr with General Crerar, 1944 (two letters), and of D.R. Ker with General Currie, 1917, and H. Joly de Lotbiniere, 1903 (two letters); clippings and photographs which have been transferred to Visual Records accession 198210-007. The Ker family lived in Victoria, B.C. Robert Henry Brackman Ker was an executive with a number of British Columbia business firms, including Ker and Stephenson Ltd. and Brackman-Ker Milling Company. He served on Victoria City Council, as President of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and as Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. The records include correspondence inward and outward, miscellaneous notes, clippings and photographs. Photographs transferred to Visual Records accession 198210-007. Related records in MS-0793 and Visual Records accession 198208-038, 22 albums. Additional records are also available at the City of Victoria Archives, PR 48. Biographical sketch taken from BCAUL. Source: MS Finding Aids Presented by R.H.B Ker, Victoria, 1971. Finding aid: file list.

Land office blotter

The item is a volume titled land office blotter. Blotters were used to record detailed trading activity. Only one page has been used. The page describes two financial transactions with the Hudson's Bay Company.

The first transaction relates to 200 pound sterling received from James Cooper, Master of the Hudson's Bay Company ship Columbia, as a deposit on a land purchase in September 1849.

The next relates to the trade of 535 blankets on the 6th of May, 1850. The blankets were paid to several Indigenous groups "for purchase of their lands as per details in Register of Land Purchases", also known as the Douglas Treaties. The names, transcribed directly from the blotter, are: Tee-chamitsa, Kosampsom, Swenghung, Chilcowitch, Whyomilth, Checonein, Kakyaakan, Chewhaytsun, and Soak.

This record was likely created by James Douglas, as it appears to be written in his handwriting [see Wilson Duff, "The Fort Victoria Treaties", BC Studies No. 3 (Fall 1969): 8].

Leon Ladner interview : [Orchard, 1964]

CALL NUMBER: T0176:0005 - 0006 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Ladner discusses the Nugent Report on Sir James Douglas to American President Buchanan in 1858; his personal; political and educational philosophy; history of the Ladner family in Cornwall; Leon Ladner's political career, circa 1926; history of the Ladner family settlement in Ladner and the family's canneries. TRACK 2: Mr. Ladner continues with his discussion about the family's cannery business; anecdotes about his uncle William Ladner; All Saints Church in 1881; his mother, and his education.;

CALL NUMBER: T0176:0005 - 0006 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Ladner begins with readings from William Ladner's diary. He talks about his father's adventures after leaving Cornwall; his father and uncle arrived in Victoria and Delta in 1858; their; business ventures in the Cariboo and New Westminster; the family land purchase in 1868 in the Delta area; drainage problems in Delta; his father's cannery business; the naming of Ladner; the Victoria; Cannery Company; the mosquito problem; anecdotes about Sir James Douglas, John Oliver, Sir Richard McBride, the Guichon family, William McBride, and the first school in 1882. TRACK 2: Mr. Ladner talks about his father's adventures in California; his uncle William Ladner's appointments; early Ladner; wooden horse shoes; drinking water; roads; floods; the family farm; beekeeping; Delta Manor; sub;division of his father's farm; anecdote about Lord Byng's visit; old Ladner homes and his father's experiences.

Letter book : correspondence outward

The item is a bound letter book containing copies of correspondence outward from the Hudson's Bay Company Fort Simpson between 1851 and 1855. The letters are written by William Henry McNeill, Chief Trader at Fort Simpson. Most of the correspondence is addressed to James Douglas, Chief Factor or the Board of Management, Hudson's Bay Company, at Fort Victoria. There are also some letters addressed to other Hudson's Bay Company officials such as John Work.

There is a two page diary from August 21 to September 1, 1875 in the back of the book written by an unnamed woman, probably McNeill's daughter Rebecca.

Letter from H.H. Berens to James Douglas

The item is a letter to Governor James Douglas at Fort Victoria written by H.H. Berens, Agent of the Puget Sound Agricultural Company at Hudson's Bay House in London, on June 11, 1862. The letter states that the company is not interested in purchasing Douglas' shares in the PSAC and giving Douglas the authority to dispose of them as he pleases.

Letter to I.W. Powell regarding reserves

Item consists of one letter (copy) written by James Douglas to Israel Wood Powell, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Douglas' letter is in response to a letter from Powell (9 October 1874) inquiring whether, during Douglas' tenure a Governor of British Columbia, there was a specific basis of acreage used in setting apart reserves.

Letterbook

  • GR-1308
  • Series
  • 1863-1864

This series contains letterbook copies of despatches from Governor Douglas to the Senior Naval Officer of Esquimalt during the period 6 July 1863 to 15 February 1864. Most of the correspondence herewith concerns measures taken against possible attacks from indigenous populations on Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island (Colony). Governor (1851-1864 : Douglas)

Letterbook copies of despatches from Governor Douglas to Colonial Office

  • GR-1447
  • Series
  • 1853-1854

This series contains a letterbook copy of despatches from Governor Douglas to Colonial Secretary, Duke of Newcastle, 8 June 1853, concerning expedition of HM Steam Sloop Virago to Queen Charlotte Islands. There is also a draft despatch, 26 July 1853, concerning the capture of vessel Susan Sturgis by Indians of Queen Charlotte Islands and Fort Simpson.

Vancouver Island (Colony). Governor (1851-1864 : Douglas)

Lizette Hall interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-09-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lizette (Mrs. Ralph Hall), a woman from the Carrier tribe, discusses her father, Louis Billy Prince, who was born in 1864 on the east side of Stuart River. His father was a chief until a bishop removed him; she describes the circumstances around that. She describes her great-grandfather, Kwah, who lived to a very old age and was a nobleman. The people who lived on the reserve. Stories about their first encounters with huns and with white people. Mrs. Hall tells the story of how Sir James Douglas' life was threatened after a when the Native man was killed by two HBC workers near Fort George; the incident ended peacefully. She discusses the first priest in the area, named Father Nobili. Her recollections of Father Morice; he returned to the area in 1924 and was surprised at seeing the advancement of the Carrier people. Father Marshall, who came before Father Morice and other priests. TRACK 2: Mrs. Hall continues with a story about Father Morice and a printing press he left behind. Her recollections of Father Coccola, who ran the place with an iron hand, and the effects of his racial beliefs on the people. She discusses the Hudson's Bay Company and its relations with Indians.; Catholic influences on education, and the focus on the spiritual needs of the Natives rather than their bodily needs. The first public school in 1913, which was not run by the Church, lasted three years. Her experiences at the Catholic residential school; the loneliness that resulted from being taken from parents; penalties imposed for speaking their native language; the unsanitary conditions and; food served. The school's aim "to eradicate culture"; how Indian culture was practiced in private. Mrs.Hall relates some stories about the legendary figure Astace. She offers meanings and pronuciations of Indian names. Finally, she discusses Indian village life in the old days, including how winters were spent, and the raids by the Chilcotin people.

Nanaimo correspondence : James Dougas - Joseph W. McKay

  • A/C/20.1 N15
  • Series
  • 1936 (originally created Aug. 1852 - Sep. 1853)
  • Part of Fort Nanaimo fonds

The series consists of a bound, typed, transcript copy of a letter book kept by Joseph W. McKay at Fort Nanaimo, 1852-1853. The letters are between McKay and James Douglas, who was based at Fort Victoria. The first letter in the book is dated August 24, 1852 and is from Douglas who directed McKay to proceed to Wentuhuysen Inlet, commonly known as Nanymo Bay, to formally take possession of the coal beds on behalf of the Hudson's Bay Company. The correspondence then continues between the two men until September 27, 1853 and is mostly concerned with the coal mining operations taking place. Missing letters, most notably the section from November 6, 1852 to April 4, 1853, are listed with a note from Judge Howay explaining that "the letters were left blank in the original book, it evidently having been Mr. McKay's intention to copy them later."

Nesbitt, James Knight, 1908-1981. Victoria; Collector.

Three letters: memorandum for Mr. Work, signed D. Finlayson, Fort Simpson, July 27, 1836, issuing instructions for ship Lama; letter (copy) to John Work from James Douglas, Fort Tako, July 13, 1840, re ship Vancouver; letter (copy) to Captain Duncan from John McLoughlin, Fort Vancouver, March 28, 1844, with instructions for the ship Beaver.

Sent anonymously to Mr. Nesbitt, who presented them to the archives, 1978.

Nesbitt, James Knight, 1908-1981

Outward correspondence

The series consists of correspondence sent by Paul Fraser in 1852 and 1853 to a number of correspondents, including James Douglas, Eden Colville, and James Yale. Correspondence deals with Hudson's Bay Company and other business or travel matters.

Papers relating to the Red River Settlement

Series consists of correspondence; petitions; registers of births, marriages; etc. all relating to the Red River Settlement. Includes minutes, proceedings, etc. of the Council of Assiniboia; papers relating to legal suits involving Griffith Owen Corbett; abstracts of Hudson's Bay Company accounts re various outfits, Oregon and Western Departments.

Microfilm (neg.) 1813-1894 35 mm [A01220A01222]

Correspondence; petitions; registers of births, marriages; etc. all relating to the Red River Settlement. Includes minutes, proceedings, etc. of the Council of Assiniboia; papers relating to legal suits involving Griffith Owen Corbett; abstracts of Hudson's Bay Co. accounts re various outfits, Oregon and Western Departments.

Source: MS Finding Aids

Purchased from Gertrude Rhodes in 1942 and 1950.

Finding aid: reel/file list

Pattie Alexander Haslam interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1962-03-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Pattie Alexander Haslam, nee Cox, recalls her first impressions of the Cape Beale Lighthouse; her schooling in Victoria; and a trip back to the lighthouse by Indian canoe. She describes her; life at the lighthouse; her mother and father; Indians; potlatches; costumes; Indian whaling techniques; Captain Spring; and sealing schooners. TRACK 2: She recalls local shipwrecks. She talks abo;ut her life in Victoria while she was at school; Sir James Douglas; Lady Douglas; Bishop Cridge, and the Cridge family. She recalls her life in Alberni; her work in the telegraph office; and her reports for the CPR from Cape Beale. She talks about cougars, and hunting at Cape Beale.

Peter Ogden correspondence with James Douglas

The file consists of one letter written in 1860 by Peter Ogden to James Douglas, governor of British Columbia. Ogden requests payment of $102 as recompense for supplies and assistance provided to Major William Downie, who arrived at Stuart Lake in 1859 in a destitute state.

Register of land purchases from Indians

The series consists of a register of land purchases from Indigenous peoples on Southern Vancouver Island (near Fort Victoria), 1850-1852; record of agreements with Indigenous peoples at Fort Rupert, 1851, and Nanaimo, 1854. These conveyances or agreements are often referred to as the Fort Victoria treaties, Vancouver Island or Douglas treaties.

The following is a list of the signatory tribes and their present-day community names:

Saanich, Victoria, Metchosin and Sooke areas:
Teechamitsa (Songhees)
Kosampson (Esquimalt)
Whyomilth (Esquimalt)
Swengwhung (Songhees)
Chilcowitch (Songhees)
Che-ko-nein (Songhees)
Ka-ky-aakan (Scia'new/Becher Bay)
Chewhaytsum (Scia'newBecher Bay)
Soke (T'Sou-ke/Sooke)
Saanich -South (Tsawout, Tsartlip, Malahat)
Saanich -North (Pauquachin, Tseycum)

Nanaimo area:
Saalequun (Snaw-Na-Was/Nanoose, Snuneymuxw)

Port Hardy area:
Queackar (Kwiakah)
Quakiolth (Kwakiutl)

Included with these records, but not part of the HBC agreements, are two land purchase agreements made between Vancouver Island Government Agent William Banfield and two Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations in 1859 and 1860, as well as a list with the male adult population of tribes of the southwest coast of Vancouver Island compiled by Banfield.

Report from James Douglas to John McLoughlin

The item is a transcript copy of an 18 page report in the form of a letter written by James Douglas on October 1, 1840 on board the HBC steam vessel "Beaver". It is addressed to John McLouglin, Chief Factor of Fort Vancouver.

The report details Douglas' activities from May to September 1840 in his visits to various HBC forts including Fort McLoughlin, Fort Simpson, Fort Stikine; and Sitka where he met and negotiated business with the Russian Governor. The report also outlines Douglas' interactions with Indigenous people, the establishment of Fort Taku (later Fort Durham) and fur trade activities.

Roberta E. Robertson interview

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1962-05-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Robertson recalls the James Bay area in the 1870s and 1880s; the causeway; the chain gang; her father, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wolfenden; his arrival with the Royal Engineers; his work as King's Printer; his rifle shooting awards; the family home in James Bay; the founding of the Fifth Regiment; her first husband, Charlie Innes; her first home in Esquimalt and her later life. She talks about her early life; living conditions; black residents; Sir James Douglas and his family; Judge Crease; Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie; the Chinese; the Royal Navy and a childhood incident. TRACK 2: Mrs. Robertson continues with her recollections of the Carr family; Emily Carr's character; and childhood incidents.

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