​​​The British instructions issued to the Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island, Richard Blanshard, authorized him to appoint a Legislative Council. On August 27, 1851, shortly before Blanshard resigned and left the colony, he nominated James Douglas, James Cooper, and John To​d to form the Legislative Council of the Colony of Vancouver Island. The primary purpose of the Council was to carry on the government of the colony until a new governor was appointed. Their first meeting was on August 30, 1851. James Douglas was appointed Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island shortly thereafter.​​