PRIVATE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMPANY'S AGENTS by Hudson's Bay Company - Thomas Fraser, Secretary - 1858

London: Hudson's Bay House, November 22nd, 1858. Pp. 3 (single folded sheet of light blue paper). Caption title. A fine copy. Rare. Peel 368. Not in TPL, etc. "Although in former times the allowances and rations allowed by the custom of the Company were considered to be calculated on a very liberal scale, the Company are aware that of late, complaints have been raised that in those rations some luxuries are omitted which, though used by the labouring classes in modern times, were not thought necessary at the period when the scale of rations was originally arranged. The Committee are anxious to conform to the change, and they have consequently included Tea and Sugar among the rations to be supplied to all classes of Servants, at the same time, that the option will be given to each as may choose to dispense with those articles, to get an equivalent for the whole, or for a part, in money. In readjusting their scale of Wages and Rations, the Company have thought it right to take the opinion of some of their retired Chief Factors as to the changes...They have accordingly consulted Mr. D. Finlayson and Mr. James Hargrave...and it is in conformity with their opinion that the present Scale of Wages and Rations has been determined upon." -page 1. The text also includes a `Statement of Labourers, Mechanics and Boatmen, required for the service of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1859', and a list of `Standards of Rations supplied at York Factory to engaged Servants, &c, &c.'-pp. 2-3. Signed Thomas Fraser, Secretary. While Fraser signed it, there are extensive quotations from Hargrave on the matter of allowances and rations at York Factory, as well as at other stations. . First Edition. Soft Cover. Fine. Folio. Pamphlet.