|
"...Captain
Parson duties have been chiefly confined to surveying
operations, in which he has always exhibited great skill and
accuracy and I believe him to be a gentleman high scientific
attainments and one who in the higher branches of science
has rendered good service to the Colony."
--His
Excellency, Governor Douglas, 1863 |
Born 29 September 1829
Parsons and Henry
Reynolds Luard enrolled at the Royal Military Academy,
Woolwich and were classmates.
Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant 1 Oct. 1847
Promoted to Lieutenant 21 Sept. 1850
Promoted to 2nd Captain 23 Feb. 1856
| As a
Captain, Parson's Regimental Pay
would have been 202 Pounds per Annum plus aColonial Allowance of 350 Pounds
per Annum. |
Parsons is the
only member of the Columbia Detachment who did not volunteer for duty in
British Columbia. Due to his extraordinary skill in surveying and map
making, he was ordered by the War Office in the Autumn of 1858 to
accompany the Detachment and command the Survey Office.
|
London, August 31, 1858
Incidental expenses of Captain Parsons RE and party
of 20 Royal Engineers proceeding to British Columbia -
500 Pounds Sterling
Colonel RC Moody |
|
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
3 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 |
Captain Parsons and a party of
20 RE set off in the "La Plata" on route to Colon.
Mail Steamer " J.L
Stephens"
1 October 1858
My dear Colonel,
I
arrived here on 25th ultimo and was obliged to quarter in the
town for some days but contrived to get my men on board this
steamer for California 2 days before the time of sailing by
permission of the Agents Captain Mr. Lane and his servant Mr.
Connor who have given me great assistance.
The
passage upon the steamer and the tickets for California are far
more than was expected, and I have been obliged to write to B.L.
detailing circumstances and requesting a proper provision to be
made - I have written in duplicate and requested the Consul to
send one copy via New York authorities and this by the
West Indies.- I will explain more fully when I see you.-
By
tonight we shall have 1300 passengers on board.- You will find
the transit to Panama being simpler, no expenses or carrying
baggage, and perhaps if you have a through California ticket no
expenses or subtraction for the [?] which is 3 miles out to sea:- All charges are excessive on the Pacific Coast, and there
appears nothing to gain on bills of exchange, indeed they are
rather troublesome than otherwise.- You will find the Aspinwall
House at Panama the best place to stay in if you have any delay there.
We are
all well and the men give me no trouble.- Waiting is the
order of the day in the Tropics.- he said tomorrow and
approaching a 2 or 3 day delay in San Francisco, We're to be in
Victoria about 22nd instant:- I anticipate no difficulties, but
fiscal expenses.- You will understand why I do not write more.-
Yours Obediently
RMParsons.
|
|
10th October, '58.
Sir,
We are all well and the Men give me no trouble. [?] is the
order of the day with one in the Tropics - we sail tomorrow and after
being 2 or 3 days delay in San Francisco, we are to be in Victoria about
22nd Instant. I anticipate no difficulties, but usual expenses. You will
understand why I do not write more.
Yours Respectfully,
RM Parsons
|
Arrived in
British Columbia 29 October 1858, in charge of the first part of the Columbia Detachment.
|
Pilgrim's Rest, 29 October 1858
Sir,
I have
the honour to acknowledge your communications and to thank your
for sending Mr. Angelo to provide transports for the detachment
of Royal Engineers.
After
conferring with Colonel Hawkins, I had on landing, made
arrangements to encamp the Detachment for a few days with his
men, as I think it will be more conducive to discipline and
keep the soldiers out of the temptations of a town for a short
period:- and unless your Excellency is desirous that they should
immediately proceed to Victoria, I propose authorizing to that
arrangement and will send all the Stores that are nor required
for the Men's comfort by such conveyance as Mr. Angelo may point
out, to the house you have been kind enough to engage for us.
I beg
to send by Mr. Angelo a bag of despatches for your Excellency
and will have the honour of waiting upon you personally
tomorrow.
I have the honour to
Your most obedient and
humble servant
RMParsons
Captain RE
|
Royal Engineer Camp
Esquimalt 3 November 1858
My dear Sir.
Referring to your Instructions to accompany you to Fort Langley
with my Detachment and there to remain, I submit it is desirable
that I should if possible proceed there before your
Excellency for the purpose of ascertaining the exact condition
of the buildings you intend placing at my disposal so that I may
be prepared to demand such materials as may be necessary for
rendering them fit for the occupation of Troops.- Should the
time not admit of my proceeding you and returning to make
preparations, I would suggest that my Detachment should not take
up permanent Quarters on the occasion of you Excellency's visit
to Fort Langley, but return to Vancouver's Island and acting on
knowledge gained by personal inspection, prepare the requisite
for suitable Quarters, then as early as possible make our
residence at Fort Langley.-
I am
induced to think it absolutely necessary that the preliminary
inspection should be made, from the accounts brought from Fort
Langley by some Officers attached to Colonel Hawkins, who
represent the fine weather as quite broken up as at that place,
and, state that they did not observe any buildings that are at
present fit for the occupation of Her Majesty' Troops;- I should
have great objection to keep the men under Canvas in a wet
locality for any period at this late season of the year, unless
from pressing necessity, - indeed I hope to house and feed them
that their efficiency may not be found impaired, when the season
for active employment shall arrive. Waiting your Excellency's
Instructions
I have the honour to
remain,
Yours obediently,
RMParsons
|
RE Camp
Esquimalt
5 November 1858
Sir,
I beg
to inform you that I propose going to Fort Langley in the next
trip of the "Otter" Steamer for the purpose of
visiting the locality and the houses you suggested should be
occupied by my detachment.
I
should feel much obliged if you would be kind enough to give
directions to the Officer in Charge at Fort Langley to afford me
facilities for inspecting the buildings.
With
regard to the latter portions of your letter of yesterdays' date
I am now preparing the sketch of a portable Building.
I have the honour
to be Sir
Your most obedient and
humble servant
RMParsons
Captain RE
|
| November 6th 1858,
Esquimalt Passage of Royal Engineers from Panama to San Francisco
-
823 Pounds Sterling
Captain RM Parsons |
| File Item
Correspondent
Date
3
3 Memo of provisions
required for two 11 Nov1858
Captains and 31 men of the Royal
Engineers
at Fort Langley
MS-0105
Yale, James Murray, 1798-1871
Originals 1845-1871 2 cm
Microfilm (neg.) 1845-1871 35
mm [A001653]BC Archives |
| December 8th, 1858,
Fort Langley For the service of the Royal Engineers, proceeding
to Victoria, Vancouver's Island (From San Francisco) -
40 Pounds Sterling
December 24th, 1858
For the service of the detachment under his command proceeding
to Vancouver's Island (from San Francisco) -
187 Pounds 14 shillings
Captain RM Parsons, RE |
Colonel Moody, his wife and
children land at Esquimalt on the Christmas Day, 1858.
|
"The Grant's and Captain Parsons are all up the
Frazer, the Grant's have one room in Fort Langley. Richard is
disappointed neither of them were here to receive him, but they did
not look for us for a fortnight later!"
--25th December, 1858,
The Letters of Mary S. Moody |
In the first days of the new year of 1859, the "Ned
McGowan War" breaks out. Moody is dispatched out to see what is afoot
and soon sends a letter to Derby for reinforcements.
HMS "Plumper"
Langley, Fraser River
17th January 1859Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 15th Instant from Fort Yale, desiring that the force may be
immediately dispatched to you
I therefore send by steamer "Enterprise", a party of 80
Officers, seaman, and Royal Marines, with one Field Piece 12 Pon.
the party supplied with 10 days provisions, ammunition etc. 50 men
of the "Satellite" are under Lieut. Gooch RN, Mr. Hall,
Midshipman, and Lieut. Jones, RM - and 30 men from the "Plumper"
under Lieutenant Moriarty, and Mr. Pender of this ship.
Captain Gossett RE doing duty as Commissary Officer to the
Force, and Captain Parsons RE accompanying the expedition as
Volunteer.
I have much pleasure in placing Lieut. Mayne's services at
your personal disposal, according to your desire.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your Most obedient Servant,
George Henry Richards
Captain |
Why was Parsons listed as a "Volunteer"? Why could he
not attend as 2nd in command of the RE?
Parsons travels up to
Victoria to see to his Commanding Officer.
|
"Zeffie (Moody's 6 year old daughter) is getting
quite accustomed to men now, she will trot off for a walk with anyone,
today Captain Parsons was with us and he walked on before holding her
hand as oldfashionedly as possible."
--2nd February, 1860,
The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
Burnaby, Moody's Secretary
commented on the look of Queenborough to his family and mentioned
Parsons.
|
"We are in a log hut on the ban of the Fraser, out
of the window we can see Capt. Parsons' tent, he is the officer in
charge of the survey, a very scientific fellow and most agreeable.
--10th March, 1859,
The Letters of Robert Burnaby,
pg.71
|
By March of 1859, Parsons
had moved from Derby to Queenborough and was settled into his Quarters - only to
face eviction.
|
"...our own house will not be ready for some weeks
but we are to have a 4 roomed house which has been put up for Captain
Parsons..."
--15th April, 1859,
The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
|
"I saw a view of "Queenborough Camp" today, it looks
so pretty, and the house, Captain Parson's, looks quite large!"
--18th April, 1859,
The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
While the Camp was being
constructed, Robert Burnaby mentions Parsons and it appears that he
is still in his marquee.
|
"On your left a log hut, a little to your right a
marquee (tent) (Captain Parsons RE. a delightful scientific man, the
head of the survey, delicate and fond of blue pills and henbane)."
--24th April, 1859,
from the Letters of Robert
Burnaby, pg. 78
|
The Survey
Office at the Camp made good use of the photographic equipment of the
detachment in reductions of maps. This work was begun in the
Spring of 1859.
|
Victoria, 12th May, 1859
Sir,
The wife of Francois Cote civilian attached to your
Staff having drawn from this Department the sum as per margin, I think
it right to apprise you in order to facilitate the checking of his
account with your Department.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R. Burnaby, Secretary
(Margin)
8 February - To HBC order for Sale Shop - $25
23 February - Cash - to John Lemon for wife - $10
8 March - Cash - to John Lemon for wife - $15
8 April - Cash - to W. J. MacDonald - $25
12 May - Cash - to W. J. MacDonald - $25
|
| "Captain Parsons is
down here just now, for since Richard has been deprived of Mr.
Burnaby, he is always going to bring down an officer with him, as
he has no notion of being so "snubbed" and put on one side. All
the Officers agreed in the arrangement, and Captain Parsons
volunteered the 1st visit."
--1st September, 1859,
The
Letters of Mary S. Moody |
Parsons, as the only
non-volunteer of the Detachment, left his last posting rather abruptly.
He had been in Ireland at the time of his recall to London. While
he was in Irelan, he asked a young lady to wait for him for 4 years. By
September 1859, it had been 13 months since he had asked her to wait for
him.
| "Captain
Parsons is very Home-sick, most anxious to get away."
-- 1st Sept 1859, Mary S. Moody |
| Yesterday we dined out!!! in the Town, at the Custom House with Mr. Hamley and the Spauldings, The Governor, Richard, Captains
Parsons and Luard and Dr. Seddall, we all went down in the Boat,
and really as we told Captain Parsons, he ought to be very glad to
have such a good dinner only 9 months after having lived, on the
same spot, and having had nothing but salt pork and Blue Jays!"
--11 October 1859, Mary S. Moody |
|
|
|
Parsons was also in charge of RE lithographic
press in British Columbia.
|
|
New Westminster
November 21st 1859
Prints from Negatives
5 - Harrison Lillooet Route (maps)
2 - Boston Bar Trail (bad)
2 - Lt. Mayne's Map
1 - Indian Burial Ground at Hope
3 - RE camp - New Westminster
1 - RE camp (Duplicate)
1 - Hope (bad)
3 - Douglas
2 - Prints from Leaves
A few prints have been expended in reduction of maps. A few
accompanied Lt. Palmer's report. Copies of meterological diagrams
have been given away to illustrate the form in which they are
kept. A few other prints have been given away.
Negative Plates:
5 - Reductions of Harrison Lillooet Route
2 - Reductions of Lt. Mayne's Map
3 - Reductions of Meteorological Diagrams
2 - Reduction of New Westminster
3 - Douglas and Harrison Lake
1 - Indian Burial Ground at Hope
4 - Hope and Boston Bar Trail (bad)
4 - RE Camp
1 - Camp garden
1 - Officer's Quarters
1 - Tsimmana with transparancy
1 - Lt. Blake, R. M.
1 - Colonel Moody and Indian
1 - Dr. Seddall, Mr. Brown, R.M.
Sundry unsuccessful attempts at the Mountains near N.W. and a few spoilt
plates. Very few printed. Captain Lempriere was the only
purchaser of a few prints and his money was advanced to him.
Captain R. M. Parsons, RE
|
As the first Christmas
in the Colony neared, the Camp was filled with activity.
|
FESTIVITIES AT NEW WESTMINSTER
We have had a gay time during Christmas here. Our Lt. Gov. Col.
Moody, gave a dinner on Friday last, to which a large party were
invited. On Saturday, many private parties were given in camp, and
the Men employed in cutting various trails came into the city;
these, joined the Men employed on the wharves, formed themselves
into a band, each armed with a candle, and gave a serenade at nearly
every home. A Christmas Carol in a noisy way. All the inhabitants
received them well, with scarcely any exception, and were only too
glad to see the bones and sinew of the country enjoying themselves,
and received the honor that was done them in the best of spirit,
paying all largesse required. Christmas Day being Sunday, was of
course devoted to its proper use, without festivities. On Monday,
the Non-commissioned officers gave a Ball at the theatre, that they
have erected by private subscription amongst themselves, which went
off very well, to which most of the inhabitants received an
invitation, and on Tuesday the festivities were ended by the
Officers giving a grand dinner at their Mess-room, to which several
ladies received invitations, and every thing passed off pleasantly.
--7th January, 1860
The Weekly British Colonist |
During this time,
John Palliser, the explorer, visited the Camp.
|
"Shortly after this I went myself to visit a part
of British Columbia, and was most kindly and hospitably entertained by
Captain Parsons, Col. Moody and the officers of the Royal Engineers
quartered at New Westminster. The site, distant on the river about 1
1/2 miles above the town, chosen by Col. Moody and the engineers as
the site for the barracks and the officers' houses, is preferable to
that chosen for the site of the town. But it is worth serious
consideration, whether it would not be more advisable to proceed about
18 miles up the river and choose the site where Fort Langley now
stands, where there is a good deal of naturally cleared land, and the
timber not formidable. The site of
Fort Langley for a British town would have this disadvantage, it is on
the same side of the river as the American boundary line."
-- January, 1860,
From Appendix IV, pg. 537
Letters of John Palliser. |
Life in the Camp
continued to unfold and Social activities increased in the Winter
Seasons.
| "As a birthday
"treat" I must try and give you a full line and particular
account of the rise, progress and termination of the ball
at the Camp. I told you that we were intending to have a little
party. Dr. Seddall took the entire management and arranged
everything. We now have the whole house to ourselves, so we have
plenty of room, the Drawing Room, Library and Dining Room are
all down-stairs, the Library is the only one we have furnished
and we use it as a Drawing Room. The Dining Room was the
Doctor's, the Drawing Room was Captain Luard's . The
Doctor fixed to have the Dancing in the empty drawing room, and
he had it all decorated for the occasion, the large recess of
the bow window was fitted as an orchestra, the windows curtained
with Scarlet blankets, relieved with golden Chinese banners. The
Ceiling was festooned with evergreens and faded leaves, the
walls decorated with bayonets festooned, lamps and garlands,
Scarlet, blue and white bunting plaited in hanging loops all
'round the ceiling, a J.B. over the mantle piece. You have no idea how nice the room looked, how I wish you could have seen
it! The library drawing room was used as a Tea room, the dining
room decorated as a supper room, flags and banners etc. We
mustered 10 ladies all dressed in ball costume, Mrs. Grant in
pink beige with flowers, Mrs. Bacon pink Moire Antique, Mrs.
Homer in white, Mrs. Spalding in blue Moire, Mrs. Pritchard in
black net, Mrs. Moody in black net decorated with pink ribbons. I apprise you I felt quite respectable, once more!
They all came at 8, soon after dancing began which was kept up till 3 A.M! Richard allowed me to dance
all night and I assure you I thoroughly
enjoyed myself.
We sat down 26 to supper, and about 8 were left without seats. I took very
little trouble in the party, the Doctor did it all his own way. He laid the
Supper, cut the sandwiches etc. Mr. Sheepshanks cut the bread and butter for
tea, and superintended the final arrangements for supper. Everybody in the Camp
helped. 3 of the Men performed the music, the officer's Servants helped to wait,
we borrowed the Mess table, tablecloth, Napkins, Candle-sticks, Cups, Plates,
etc. glasses and candlesticks from Mrs. Grant. Tea tray from one of the women. You have no idea how well it all went off, everybody enjoyed themselves. Certainly the Doctor deserves great credit for all his trouble. We thought you
would all have enjoyed to have taken a peep at our new mode of "roughing it in
the bush". I really was not very very tired after so much dancing. I feared I
should be as stiff as an old horse the next day, however, tho' I was obliged to
get up at 6 the next morning I did not feel too tired. I had not danced since I
married before. Captain Parsons and the Doctor wanted to persuade me to allow Zeffie and Dick to sit up, however I would not listed to that and packed them
all off to bed before I went to dress."
-- 15th October, 1860,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody |
The "Camp Family"
increased each year, with more and more children and Parsons
appears to have been a favorite of the growing Moody family.
| "It is a most fortunate event that your
niece is not older, or she would grow up a regular little flirt, all the Gentlemen take so much notice of her and played so much with her, that it would never have done were she older - and here where we
meet everybody 3 or 4 times a day. You may suppose we are on very intimate terms.
Yesterday I discovered poor Captain Parsons with Dick on his back, wearing Zeffie's hat!"
-- 15 October 1860,
Mary S. Moody |
The work of laying out, surveying and mapping
the Colony continued from Parsons' Survey Office.
|
"...There are 16 NCO's and Men of the Detachment
of Engineers who have been trained on the Ordnance Survey, available
for Survey duties in this Colony. Of this
number, 5 are qualified to take angular measurements, level,
contour etc.; 5 are draughtsmen; 2 are good engravers; 1 is an
Astronomical observer and computer, and the whole 16 are chain
surveyors, and men of general intelligence.
I imagine the duties most suited to them are: general
surveys, all details connected with laying out towns,
settlements, etc., the checking of contracts..."
--1st January, 1861
Letter From Parsons to Moody |
|
RE Camp, New Westminster
4th January, 1861
Sir, I
beg to accompany these remarks with a few suggestions for the
improvements of the existing Survey arrangements.
The present Survey Office consisting of two rooms, one
above the other, is too small to afford the lower room to be
appropriated as a Land Office, another room is likewise
required for the use of the Officer in charge.
The floor of the upper room requires increased stability
and both rooms should be pierced for more light.
The drawing Tables generally, require repair, another
sloping table is needed together with a commodious Plan Box
and Pigeon holes for Field Books etc., I
submit also that there should be a Brick Fire-proof Safe
constructed for the security of Official Plans and Documents,
a portion of which may be made available for the safety of the
State books and Papers connected with the Land Officer which
at present are in danger of destruction in a wooden building.
I have the honor to state that I have no suggestions to
offer as to the Regimental interior economy of the Survey
Detachment as I do not see how alterations that might be more
suitable to their peculiar duties could be effected, while the
Men reside in the Camp of their comrades, and so long as they
are such, as in the Ordnance Survey Divisions in Great
Britain, entirely detached and under the command of the Survey
Officer. One remark may perhaps throw a
light on many little difficulties; at home Men consider it a
privelege to be employed on the Survey, on account of the many
advantages they enjoy; and a disgrace to be sent from it to
their ordinary duties: here, the Surveyors enjoying no
advantages, no such feeling can exist, not under present
circumstances could it be fostered. I
have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
RM Parsons,
Captain RE |
| "I am getting very
cross that both the Governor and the Bishop Continue to come to us
whenever they visit the Colony, the Governor calls this "Government
House" which it really is not, and comes here as a matter of course
which is a nuisance.
I had quite a fright this morning. Walking out with Baby I met
Captain Luard who said, "You know the Gun-boat is up and the Governor
on board". Soon I met Captain Parsons and I said "The Governor has
come up on board the Gun-boat", he said "I am very sorry for you.". Presently he came after me to try and persuade me that if the Governor
were on board the Vessel would have come up to the camp. And you can
fancy what a reprieve it was when he sent to say it was not the
Gunboat nor the Governor. However the evil day must come sooner or
later, I fear."
-- 12th February, 1861,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
Parsons, as part of
the Camp Family, was a target of humor on the part Dr. Seddall.
|
"The Sappers have or rather are making a new
road from here to the Sea (about 4 or 5 miles). When it is finished
we are going to have a picnic out there, the Gentlemen, Mrs. Bacon
and myself. The Doctor proposes that Captain Parsons should carry
the Pie there and he volunteers to bring the Dish home."
--12th February, 1861,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody |
Miss Cracroft, niece
of Lady Franklin, wrote of Parsons:
| "Captain
Parsons is the only person not a Volunteer (in the Detachment).
He was on the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, and, an officer of his special acquirements being wanted, he was ordered out at very short notice."
-- 6 March 1861, Sophia
Cracroft. |
|
"Today, Saturday, the Men have a whole Holiday
in honour of lady Franklin's visit, it is a glorious day; and the
whole Camp is alive, I have left Baby out with Miss Nagle, doubtless
she will get assistance from the Doctor, Captain Parsons or Mr.
Hankin, RN a Lieutenant who is in attendance on Lady Franklin."
--15th March, 1861,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody |
|
Colonel Moody, RE, accompanied by Captain Parsons
and suite, left by the steamer "Colonel Moody" on Wednesday of last
week on a tour through the upper country. We believe it is the
Colonel's intention to inspect all the Public Works personally, and
make himself better acquainted with the wants and resources of the
colony. He will probably be absent about a month.
--5th September, 1861
The British Columbia |
| "I don't know when I
shall hear from Richard again, he has never been away so far
away before. Captain Parsons is with him. There is
a difference of opinion in Camp as to which of the two will
knock up first, they are both dyspeptic you know. I think the
change will do them both good..."
-- 12 September 1861,
Mary S. Moody |
|
The box arrived last week...Tell dear Papa
that the Bakledries gave us the greatest pleasure not only to the
boys but to the Big Babies also. He would have been much amused if
he had seen Richard and Captain Parsons having a game, and then Mrs.
Grant and me! while the gentlemen "held the Babies". Mrs. Grant (who
is a dreadful fidget about her Children) would not confide little
Emily to Captain Parsons, so Richard had to hold her while Captain
Parsons kept Petsie for me.
Gentlemen become experienced Nurses here, for
they are obliged to help in holding the Babies. If you are out
walking and meet a gentleman he frequently says "Can't I relieve you
of the Baby for a short time?" or if you are very tired and he does
not volunteer such aid, it is quite customary to say" Do carry baby
for me please."
--4th November, 1861,
From the letters of Mary
S. Moody |
The Royal Navy often
visited the Camp as a Port of Call and invitations were often exchanged.
| "HMS Plumper was here
last week, and we all dined on board, we had a most elegant dinner,
quite English, and a coal Fire which I most thoroughly enjoyed! They
all laughed at me when they came down after dinner, Mr. Sheepshanks
said "Now, Mrs. Moody, I am quite sure you have been asleep!!". It
was a terribly wet night, and they all feared we would not go,
however Mr. Sheepshanks and the Doctor both said, "I am sure Mrs.
Moody will come." -- 4th November, 1861,
from The Letters of
Mary S. Moody
|
|
BENTINK INLET - We are indebted to the
politeness of Captain Parsons, RE, for a sketch of the route from
the head of the above Inlet to Alexandria. The sketch is gotten up
by Captain Venables, and lithographed by W. Oldman, RE, at the
Survey Office here, and is artistically, a creditable production.
--12th November, 1861
The British Columbian |
CM/13667A
British Columbia / prepared 1862
under the direction of Captain
Parsons at the Office of Lands
and Works ; reduced and drawn
by J. Conroy
MS-1912
ANDERSON, James Robert, 1841-1930. Victoria;
accountant, Deputy
Minister of Agriculture.
Originals, 1824, 1858-1927, 2.16 m
BC Archives |
Parsons was officially promoted to
Captain on 1 April 1862.
| "Dearest
Richard is still at Victoria, he and Captain Luard are both
there, nor do they talk of returning, I am getting very tired
of being alone. The Doctor and Captain Parsons are very good,
in doing all they can for us. They come in 3 or 4 times a day
to see how we are getting on. "
-- 3rd April, 1862,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
|
"Mr. and Mrs. Crease (Attorney General) have come up to their new
house near us, they arrived before the workmen were out of it,
without a Servant of any kind...I really felt so sorry for Mrs.
Crease that Captain Parsons (during Richard's absence) advised me to
go at once to see her, he went over with me, and we brought her 3
little girls back, Mrs. Crease coming over in the evening to put
them to bed, and leaving after breakfast."
-- 20th May, 1862,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
|
"8th August, 1862 - Rode about 13 miles and got a good open and
grassy country for the road, in coming home got orders to meet Capt.
Parsons at Capt. Martlys , at the Grange, rode up the Mountain and
slept at the Hay Ranch.
9th August, 1862 - Started at 5 am. from the Hay ranch and met
Capt. Parsons about 9 am , returned in Capt. Parsons company to camp
in the evening, and I was well pleased to hear Captain Parsons
express himself so well pleased at the Road as we rode along, but
when I was told that he was Inspecting Officer, the handsome manner
he spoke of my trouble in bringing the Road thro such a
difficult part, and the marked improvement seen on the Road since I
joined, made me think that my care and trouble was all as nothing
since I got my Officer's Approval.
11th August, 1862 - Fine. Shifted camp about 16 miles from
Pavillion Mountain to Brown's Cut Off. Capt. Parsons shifted at the
same time, we are all encamped together.
16th August, 1862 - Fine. Sent a copy of examination with my
report on the road, with length made to Capt. Parsons RE to be
forwarded to Col. Mood, RE and at the same time by order of Capt.
Parsons gave a copy to Mr. Colbreath for Mr. Wright Contractor.
--from Journal of Serjeant McMurphy RE
|
|
"I have not written since the 9th when we had grand
rejoicings in honour of the Prince of Wales. It was a very stormy night
however they sent a waggon round for the Company so we got there dry, we
had a nice little party of our own I mean from the Camp, 3 young ladies,
the Archdeacon's family, the Officers and ourselves, so we got on very
nicely. We intended to have left early, but we really enjoyed it very
much, and were much surprised to find it 5 minutes past 4 when we reached
home!
The ball was on the 11th, on the 10th the Officers
dined with us and the Archdeacon and his daughter, so we were quite gay
you see."
--24th November, 1862,
From the Letters of Mary S.
Moody
|
|
"Captain Parsons is really as "low" as Richard is, but then we
fancy he left his heart in Ireland and promised to go back in 4
years, and the time being up I tell him he is afraid the young lady
won't wait any longer!"
--24th November, 1862,
From the Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
| "We have had a
very quiet Christmas time. The Children spent one day at the
Grant's , on New year's day we had the Officers, Grants and
Mr. Sheepshanks to lunch - 16 in all."
--7th January,
1863,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody |
Mrs. Moody gives birth to another child
in January, 1863, Moody leaves for Victoria and the Moody
household is short staffed.
| "The Children
have been all so good. The Doctor: so kind and attentive. He
and Captain Parsons have been Papa, Mama and Nurse to the
bigger ones."
--30th January, 1863
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody
|
|
"We
have been very gay lately. Captain Luard and Doctor
Seddall are engaged to two sisters, Miss Leggatts, and the
ladies have just paid us a visit, nearly 3 weeks. You
can fancy that two such visitors have made the place quite
gay -- a dinner party here and at the Mess, Concerts,
Theatricals, Riding parties, and a Ball in the Mess Room --
Picnics, &c &c &c The Ball was quite
a success -- five young ladies, four to engaged to be
married -- I enjoyed it very much and danced until 5 am.
Richard got very tired but we were obliged to stay till the
end. The RE Band played beautifully, the room was prettily
decorated and the Supper first rate - Mrs. Bonson.
The Ball did us all good, fancy there being want of
gentlemen!!! We were much vexed that Captain Luard would not send down to Victoria for some. The
Ladies were very nicely dressed. The Miss Leggatts
wore white silk plain, with cherry coloured sashes,
broad rushings of the same at the top of the lace berthe,
and one rose in their hair -- they looked so nice, we all
felt quite proud of them, for now of course we feel that
they belong to us (the Camp Family)."
--12
May 1863, Mary S Moody
|
| July 16th, 1863.
In the morning,
while I was sitting at lunch with Parsons of the Engineers, in
came the Archdeacon with the very kind offer of his horse to
take with me. Parsons and I consulted a little and came to the
conclusion to accept it, which I did with much gratitude.
--Edmund Hope Verney, Lt., RN,
Commander, HMS Gunboat Grappler |
Parsons returns to England,
with the other Officers of the Detachment, in November of 1863.
Captain Parsons returned to his work in
the Survey of Great Britain and worked at Chatham. While there in
1867, Parsons was contacted by his old comrade Dr. Seddall to act as
witness at his marriage.
Marriage
Form #4
Report of Officer's Marriage made for the purpose of its being
recorded at the War Office, with the view to fascilitate the
Settlement of any Claim that may be made on behalf of the
Officer's Family, in the event of his Death. |
| Officer's
name |
John
Vernon Seddall |
| Age |
35
years 5 months |
| Regiment |
Royal
Engineers |
| Maiden
Names of the Lady at full length |
Ellen Golding
|
| Age |
30
years 7 months |
| Date
of marriage |
5
Feb 1867 |
|
Place where
ceremony was performed
|
St
Nicholas Church, Rochester |
| Names
of Officiating Clerymen |
Rev
John E White
Rev C. Basauquet |
|
Witnesses
|
R.M.
Parsons, Capt RE
Clara Golding
Eliza Brooke |
 |
| An Ordnance Survey unit similar to Parsons'
in 1868 |
Superintendant of Ordnance
Survey Office, Southampton, 1869.
Made Fellow of the Royal
Society (FRS) 2 June 1870
Promoted to Major 5 July 1872
Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel
8 March 1873
Promoted to
Army Colonel 8 March 1878
Promoted to
Army Major-General 29 October 1879
Retired 29
October 1879
| Parson's home in 1897 at 21
Hyde-Vale, Greenwich, Kent, England. |
 |
Died
at Greenwich, 20 May 1897, a bachelor
Click
here to retire to McMurphy's page
|
