London 1st September 1858

Sir,

You will proceed to Southampton and take command of the Detachment of RE under orders for British Columbia.

You will endeavour to embark them tonight but all must be on board the "La Plata" Mail Packet early tomorrow morning.

Sir Ed. B. Lytton has signified his desire to visit and inspect the party on board immediately previous to the vessel sailing for Colon.

On your arrival at Colon you will at once communicate with the B. Consul.  I enclose you a letter to him from the Foreign Office.  He will afford you every assistance in his power.  I also enclose a letter I have received from the Colonial Office by which you will perceive the Directors of the Mail Steam Company have also instructed their Agents to afford you assistance.  You will avail yourself of this precisely in the manner indicated in the enclosures to the Colonial Office letter with the exception of paying the expenses.

You will defray all the expenses of Transit, food and quarters for the party.  Keeping vouchers in triplicate for every Kind of disbursement.  Doubtless the gentlemen above referred to will enable you to simplify your operations in this respect.

I place in your hands the sum of 500.00 Pounds and you are at liberty to draw on H.M. Treasury to an extent not exceeding a further sum of 500.00 Pounds.  I enclose you blank forms of bills for this purpose.

You must distinctly understand you are to be guided by the utmost economy and are not to incur any expenses but such as are indispensably necessary to convey you to Victoria in Vancouver's Island.  For all these expenses your receipts and vouchers must be completely explanatory.

I also enclose Foreign Office letters to the B. Consul at Panama and San Francisco.  These gentlemen will afford you their aid in getting your draughts cashed.

In crossing the Isthmus by rail it is indispensable the Men do not carry any arms, not even side arms.  You will use your own discretion as to their dress but allow no departure from military discipline in proceeding to the Train-cars and in leaving them for their quarters in Panama.

Your chief difficulty will probably be in getting forward from Panama.  The Admiralty has sent instructions to the Naval Officers along your route to afford you all aid in their power.

If any B. Vessel of War be at Panama you will ascertain whether such might not be in a position to convey yourself and party to your destination or en route towards it.  If such arrangement be practicable avail yourself of it, but if not, the naval Officer in command the British Consul and the British Mail Packet Agents and Correspondents will aid you in obtaining a passage to Victoria by a merchant Vessel.  The Naval Officer in command will probably be able to assist you by causing the Merchant Vessel to be inspected as to her sea-worthiness, proper supply of Provisions, water, etc.

You will state to the Consul at Colon and at Panama that Captain Grant will certainly proceed via Panama and will probably be accompanied by 12 RE's.  Request them to be prepared to aid.

You will endevour not to call at San Francisco.  It will add to the expenses and may be predudicial to discipline.

On your arrival at Victoria, Vancouver's Island you will report yourself to the Governor and submit to him instructions your have received personally from the Colonial Minister and from myself that to carry out the objects of the Government as conveyed to me subject to the Governor.  It is essential every facility should be afforded to you to proceed with the party as early as possible to the Fraser River.  To effect this it is of course necessary the Governor furnish you with the means of transport with free rations to which the party are entitled and with some reasonably good Barrack or Building quickly convertible into a Barrack located on the Fraser River.  It is most probable Fort Langley may be the best position temporarily, and it is possible the Governor may be able to rent the Buildings there from the Hudson's Bay Company and appropriate them to the Military Detachment under your command as well as for those about to follow.

Of course it is impossible for me to give your precise instructions to you on this head.  You will find the Governor has been very fully instructed in the matter and from his well-known character for energy and judgement I have no apprehensions in my own mind that if you frankly place yourself in unreserved communication with him you will find difficulties quickly mastered.

The main duties you are to Keep in view are these:

1  To "House" and "feed" your party.
2  To prepare for those that are to follow.

When the first duty shall have been effected, and the second be in progress, you will after Captain Grant's arrival, take his orders for a selection from your party, and you will with them proceed up the "Fraser River" to the first rapids or Falls (if time will admit) and return, making a most careful reconnaissance of both banks but more especially the North Bank.  You will certainly proceed as far as Fort Yale.

I am very anxious you should be prepared with an extremely full and careful reconaissance for me against my arrival devoting your attention chiefly to such distance up the River as ordinary merchant trading vessels can proceed convieniently.

You will use every endevour to obtain assistance in this matter both from the Governor and from the Naval Officer in Command.  Among other assistance from the first it is necessary you should obtain intelligent guides who know every spot of ground on the banks and if a gentleman among the Hudson's Bay Company's Officers would go with you it would materially advance the Public Service.

I hope it may be possible for the Naval Officer in command to assist you with the council of an officer (and to give a small party of men) for opinions on points which will readily to occur to you.

It is possible that among the vessels of war at the Station when you arrive there may be one, such as a Gun boat, of light draft, and that the Naval Officer in Command may be disposed to direct that it ascend the River with you on board in furtherance of this important duty.

By the time you have returned to Victoria or Fort Langley as the case may be and prepared your Report, I trust I shall have arrived and after placing myself in communication with the Governor would hope he may be able to spare the time to accompany me so that the site of the chief town may be early settled.

I think it would be well for you to draw the attention of the Governor to the circumstance that military considerations of the very gravest importance (seeing the nearness of the Frontier) enter into the question of determining the site of the chief town and also of the one to be laid out at the entrance of the River.  It it be absolutely necessary to commence some occupation at the latter place it should be confined to the north side and I hope the Governor would be able to make it a temporary tenure.  At all events the spots marked on the accompanying chart should be reserved.

Should Lt. Colonel Hawkins be present on your arrival you will of course at once report yourself to him and will consult with him on all points of your duty but do not allow anything short of imperative necessity from causes not known here (to) induce you to deviate from the general principles I have above laid down for your guidance.

I have the honor to be,
Sir, your most obedient
humble servant,
RC Moody
Colonel.,RE

Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 5th Instant enclosing one from the office of the Comptroller of Transport Services in which I am desired to report the circumstances under which 20 tons of hay and Oats were landed from the "Thames City" at Gravesend and also whether I consider the "Brokers of the Ship are entitled to be paid freight for the same" in reply to which I have the honor to state as follows, viz.

After the arrival of the "Thames City" at Gravesend on the completion of her loading with Stores for Vancouver's Island, Colonel Moody visited the Military Store Office Tower and expressed his wish that the quantity of oats and hay that had, by his directions, been previously shipped should be taken out of the Vessel at Gravesend in order to afford additional accommodations for the families of the Detachment of Sappers on board her, as well as for other reasons assigned by him.

I accordingly proceeded to Gravesend by directions from Mr. Eaton, then principal Military Storekeeper in the Tower, and on my arrival on board the Vessel was told by the owner that no portion of the Cargo should be removed unless a quarrantee was given him that full freight should be paid for the quantity of Stores taken out.

The Officer of Royal Engineers who was on board in command of the Sappers (Luard) stated he could give no such quarantee, and I also expressed my incompetancy to afford the security required, altho' I felt no hesitation in saying that I considered under the circumstances of the case, that there was a just claim for its being so paid, upon which the owner of the Vessel told me that if I would give him my opinion in writing he would immediately withdraw his opposition and allow the Oats and hay to be removed and which was done on the terms for which he stipulated and I conclude he is in possession of the memo with which I furnished him on the occasion.

It will be seen what my views on the case were at that time and which subsequent consideration has not in any respect induced me to alter.

I have, etc.
E.C.King

Brighton, 7th August, 1861

"The trip across has been most pleasant.  I was at the same table with Colonel Moody and his wife, Capt. Gosset and do., Mr. Crickmer the chaplain and do., all en route for Vancouver, and very excellent friends I am with them all.  Gosset is an old Marplot of Dick's (Burnaby's Brother) and promises to keep up his character.  I think there will be a row between him and Moody before they have been in Columbia very long; but he may get better, tho' at present he is queer."

-- 12th November, 1858,
from the Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg.42

"[...] request the appointment of some gentleman of ability and experience qualified to take charge of such duties as I may assign to him in the office [...]"

--22nd February, 1859,
to Governor Douglas

"Col. Moody takes me altogether into his confidence and now that business is so slack and likely to be so for a while, he wants me to be his private secretary, and has made application to the Governor for it.  All the men at present surrounding him are the nominees of Douglas, and take care to watch him closely and report all they see and hear, and Moody is afraid that they will try to oust me and put in another of the Governor's creatures which he is determined not to stand.  Begbie the Judge is a thorough courtier, and works the crooked policy against Moody, and like the rest is doing all in his power to retard B. Columbia and to build up this place, which is the stronghold of Hudson's Bay interests, and where all the old set, from the Governor downwards, have a great landed stake."

--22nd February, 1859,
The Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg.64

RE Camp, Queenborough
17th March, 1859

Sir,

Captain Parsons having no place of security in Camp, I should feel greatly obliged to you, if you would kindly cause a small iron safe capable of holding a few folio volumes to be purchased, and have the money intended for his use placed in it and sent to Queenborough early.

We have no one in Victoria to whom to apply who would take the same interest in assisting us as yourself.

I am Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,

RCMoody
Lt. Gov.

To Captain Gosset, RE

From The British Colonist, 30 May 1859

(Communicated)

The Celebration of the Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Birthday at Queenborough 

The 24th of May was a day of general rejoicing and festivity in Queenborough, the capital of British Columbia, in honour of the anniversary of Her Majesty’s birth, and what rendered the day so peculiarly interesting was its being the first time Her Majesty’s subjects in this distant part of the world have had an opportunity of expressing their loyalty and devotion to their beloved Sovereign.  The sports and games went off with éclat, amid the applause of a large concourse of people.  The weather lowered opinions at the dawn of the day, but changed towards noon to one of those bright, sunny days, which are so well known in dear old England as “Queen’s days”. 

To the stroke of time, the bugle summoned the troops of the garrison to the place of rendezvous, whilst loud hurrahs followed in their wake, giving to the parade ground of the North Camp, a very animated appearance, which was moreover graced by the attendance of Mrs. Moody, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Spaulding and others of the fair sex. 

The troops were drawn up in line at 11:30.  A field piece manned by the blue jackets of Her Majesty’s Ship Plumper, which ship, by the way, had been gaily dressed in flags, occupied the extreme right.  The Royal Engineers on the left under the command of Captain Grant.  The Royal Marine Light Infantry on the left under the command of Captain Bazalgette, R.M.L.I., Major Magin having been unfortunately indisposed.  The Lieutenant Governor Colonel Moody, R.E., and staff, having inspected the troops, a Royal Salute of 21 guns was fired at noon, accompanied by a feu-de-joie from the forces.  He then addressed the troops in very feeling and soldier-like terms, after which, the national Anthem was sung by all present in a strain that filled many with emotion. 

At this stage of the proceedings the scene was most telling in effect.  Three cheers were then given for our Most Gracious Queen, when all testified by volumes upon volumes of fervent vociferation how they felt and could pay a tribute to the good Queen of England, and how she reigns in the affections of her people.  It is truly a happy and glorious thing to think of a nation’s loyalty, called forth by something more than lofty station and high descent, rendered to a Queen who has manifested those virtues, attainments and powers which win for her a high place in the hearts of an intelligent and mighty people.  We need hardly add that Colonel Moody was warmly and enthusiastically cheered by the troops and civilians more than once in the course of the day. 

The following is the programme of the sports and amusements as drawn up by Captain Luard, R.E., Lieutenant Sparshott, R.M.L.I., and Dr. Seddall, R.E., : - Foot and hurdle-races, putting shot, throwing the hammer, high and long jumps, tossing the caber, bobbing for treacle rolls, bobbing for “bubs” in water, wrestling and boxing, boat races, etc., etc.  Concluding with a sack race and greasy pole: a Blue Jacket having succeeded in attaining the envied grease crowned crest with little less difficulty than the Argonauts of ancient lore, received a like reward.  The soldier’s wives and children were entertained with tea and cake, kindly provided by Mrs. Moody and the hilarity of the day was much enhanced by a scratch band from the Engineers, Marines and Plumpers.  In the evening the Royal Engineers entertained the garrison and the officers of H.M.S. Plumper at dinner.

"He (Moody) and I get along famously.  He is not quite energetic enough in business, nor sufficiently master of details to make office work under him easy or pleasant; but his every thought and act is so good and kind that all the inconveniences fade away and I have been for some time quite one of the family, and until like Solomon I have built me a house, as all good masons are bound to do, he insisted on my living with them taking meals, etc. and I sleep in and have to myself a jolly marquee (tent) - with two beds in it - in one of which a stranger is now and then buried."

-- 23rd June, 1859,
From the Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg. 95

"...With reference to Mr. Burnaby's services I considered and consider the assistance of a gentleman of his qualifications an essential aid to me, and I regret the decision at which your Excellency has arrived...It is possible I may be under the necessity of requesting an officer may be selected in England to carry on some of the duties that have hitherto been conducted by Mr. Burnaby."

-- August, 1859,
to Governor Douglas

"Colonel Moody is to work without any Civilian aid at all, and I do not think he will remain here very long, for he has been baffled and worsted, and certainly when the time came for action, belied all the hopes his friends had formed as to his character and abilities.  He promised to do great things, and affected to be playing a very deep game, and till tried there was nothing to lead one to doubt otherwise, but Gosset has been working against him, well knowing his man, and has bowled him over on some serious points.  First came expenditure; Moody building up houses, and laying out towns, employing Civilians to chop and clear, etc. but in spite of all entreaties, never doing the least thing to organize his materials and to work with method.  Consequence?  Great outlay of money and not much to show for it.  All the difficulties of accounts etc. thrown on my shoulders, with no manner of assistance or regulation to get them into shape.

Next he made an excellent and extensive contract with one Mr. Trutch, who left England with us on the "ASIA" - for the survey of the rural lands of B.C. -  This with the Governor's sanction verbally given, subsequent investigations into the pecuniary state of the Colony, and letters from Home about Finance induce old Douglas to back out of his word, and to condemn the whole affair as a gross indiscretion; Result?  Moody induces Trutch to waive his rights and forgo the Contract for the sake of getting him out of a mess, this after declaring in the most indignant way that he would hold to the matter through thick and thin.

Then my case, of course, I was included in the sack of Civilians, and instead of making a fight for me, as being an insult to remove a man's confidential Secretary, he "caves in" as before and lets them snub him as they please.  He shows so little desire to give me a big lift either, that it really looks as though he only cared about himself and his own reputation, and I almost believe what I hear on all sides, that he has been noted for getting hold of men to do his work, and pull him through with credit and leaving them in the lurch.  It is painful to feel or write this, as I have really a personal liking for him and he for me, but it is always the case with these Methodistical men, I fear, though I has always taken him for a bright example of the other way.  We part the best of friends, and all the folks here are well with me but Gosset, who is a fiend incarnate, and hates me for Dick's (Burnaby's Brother) sake I verily think, as well as my own.  He is the most unpopular man here, but certainly an able one."

--21st July, 1859,
The Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg. 100

"Colonel Moody appears to go lower and lower down, fails to fulfill all the promises he made, as to policy and action, and subsides into mere listless ill-used on-entity."

--27th November, 1859
From the Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg.125

"...[Governor Douglas] has taken Colonel Moody, and crumpled him up small: never was there a man so well armed for the fight - sent out on purpose to out manoeuvre the old Hudson's Bay factor - he talked a great deal of all his intended moves: while the old Boy, who had measured his man, let him go on and on: muddling his work, and doubling his expenditure; and then when the time came for it quietly sat upon him, which the gallant Colonel allowed. At one time from his talk I thought him an exception to the rule that all members of the Canting school are weak and wishy washy - but he has proved true to the Colours of the faithful and of course was writing slip slop to Missionary meetings when he ought to have been hard at work on the country - after waiting Mrs. Moody's convenience in regard to an increase in the population."

--3rd December, 1859
from The Letters of Robert Burnaby, pg. 127

Lands and Works Department, New Westminster
16th August, 1861.

Sir,

May respectfully to request that I am informed whether (in the absence of yourself at Victoria which I do not anticipate) I am to receive Scrip as cash at the coming sale.
2. If so, for what Lots - Town? Suburban? or Country lands?
3. At what rate?
4. I take this opportunity of, with deference commenting, that is Scrip, which was issued?

HRLuard

(Reply on same letter)

You are accept Scrip precisely as cash - valuing it 10.4 per acre or 4 Pounds 2 Shillings according with the nature of the Scrip that was issued from the Draft.

RCMoody

-- 12 September 1861
Mary S. Moody