Perhaps a similar method of raising a revenue would be to impose a customs’ duty on imports, to be levied on all supplies brought into the country, whether by Fraser or the Columbia River.
The export of gold from the country is still inconsiderable, not exceeding 600 ounces since I last addressed you. The principal diggings are reported to be at present, and will probably continue, flooded for several months to come, so that unless other diggings apart from the river beds are discovered, the production of gold will not increase until the summer freshets are over, which will probably happen about the middle of August next. In the meantime the ill-provided adventurers who have gone hither and thither will consume their stock of provisions, and probably have to retire from the country until a more favourable season.
I shall be most happy to receive your instructions on the subject in this letter.
No. XII.
Copy of a better from the Secretary of the Admiralty to Herman Merivale, Esquire.
Admiralty, June 26, 1858.
Sir,—I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, a copy of a letter from Captain Prevost, of H.M. Ship “Satellite,” dated at Vancouver’s Island, 7th May 1858, respecting the discovery of gold on Fraser and Thompson Rivers, near to the 51st parallel of north latitude, in North America.
The newspaper and specimen of gold dust referred to in Captain Prevost’s letter are also enclosed.
I am, etcetera, (Signed) H. Corby.
Herman Merivale, Esquire, Colonial Office.