EARLY HISTORY OF THE FRASER RIVER
MINES.

CORRESPONDENCE OF RICHARD HICKS FROM
OCTOBER, 1858, TO JUNE, 1859.

Appress oF His ExcenLENcY THE GOVERNOR TO THE INHABITANTS
AT Fort YAuE, SepreMBER 127TH, 1858.

GENTLEMEN,—I understand that you assembled yesterday on my
arrival here, not only to welcome the Representative of our Most
Gracious Lady the Queen, but also to learn from me the views of
the Queen’s Government about this country.*

It is not the custom with Governors of British Provinces to address
the public, but as this is a particular occasion, and the circumstances
are peculiar, and as you have expressed a wish to learn the truth, I
will depart from the custom and explain to you in a few words what
are the views of the Government in relation to this country.

(1.) In the first place, I am commanded to say to all Her
Majesty’s native-born subjects that this is their country, and that
their country opens wide her portals to receive them from whatever
part of the world they come, and that they will enjoy here all the
rights, privileges, and immunities of British subjects.

(2.) In the second place, I am commanded to say to the citizens
of that great republic which, like the mustard-seed, has grown up into
a mighty tree, and gives shelter to the oppressed of all nations, that
offshoot from England of which England is still proud—I am com-
manded to extend to you the right hand of fellowship and to give you
a hearty welcome to our country.

And not less to you gallant Frenchmen, with whose country
England is so closely allied, I am commanded to give a hearty welcome,
as well as to the natives of other foreign countries I am commanded
to offer friendship and protection.

Our Gracious Queen commands me to receive you with kindness,
and to allow you to dig for gold in her dominions, and to offer you

(1) ‘‘ We found a large assemblage of people at Fort Yale expecting our arrival with some
anxiety in order to ascertain the views of Her Majesty’s Government. According to their earnest
request, I met them the following day at a public meeting and delivered a short address, in which
I announced the instructions I had received from Her Majesty’s Government, as contained in your
dispatch of the 1st of July last, and the tidings were received with satisfaction.”’ Letter, Douglas
to Lytton, October 12, 1858, in Papers relating to British Columbia, Part MOGs fay 2%,