Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 18 November 1862, CO 60:13, no. 438, 528.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents
often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important
to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered
hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous
Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.
Douglas updates Newcastle on the situation in the Stikine,
focusing on mining activity, the apprehension by the Royal Navy of First Nations persons
accused of various crimes, and the relationship between
British Columbia and Russia.
No. 2, Stekin Territories
18 November 1862
Since the despatch of my communication marked "Separate"
of the 23rd August last, there have been frequent arrivals from Stekin, but the complexion of the Mining intelligence is
not materiallydifferent
different from the reports then transmitted, of
the Miners who this season resorted to that Gold-field, a small
proportion have done well, but in the great majority of cases,
their efforts have not been successful.
different from the reports then transmitted, of
the Miners who this season resorted to that Gold-field, a small
proportion have done well, but in the great majority of cases,
their efforts have not been successful.
With the exception of about eighty men who remain there for
the winter, the Miners have now all left that part of the country,
more, however, it is reported, from want of means to continue
their researches, than from despairof
of ultimate success, as they
propose returning thither in the Spring.
of ultimate success, as they
propose returning thither in the Spring.
2. I have the honour of transmitting herewith, the Copy of
a letter, with specimens of the Gold, Silver, and Copper found at
Stekin, from Alexander Choquette, the discoverer of that Gold-field,
giving his opinion of the mineral resources, and describing the
character and agricultural capabilities of the Stekin Valley.
His letter is auseful
useful communication, and not devoid of interest.
useful communication, and not devoid of interest.
3. I have to announce the return of Her Majesty's Ships
"Hecate" and "Devastation," commanded respectively by Captain
Richards and Commander Pike, from a cruise to Stekin and other
parts of the Coast, to which they were despatched for the protection
of Her Majesty's subjects, and especially with a view to the capture
of several natives of the Chimseean and Sebassa Tribes, who were
accused of the murderand
and robbery of several white men, a service which was executed with much judgment
and humanity by those able
Officers, who succeeded in apprehending two of the supposed murderers,
and they have been duly committed for trial.
and robbery of several white men, a service which was executed with much judgment
and humanity by those able
Officers, who succeeded in apprehending two of the supposed murderers,
and they have been duly committed for trial.
4. Commander Pike also touched at New Archangel, (Sitka), and
was received by His Excellency Mr Furuhjelm, Governor of the
Russian Possession, with much courtesy and attention. Theaccompanying
accompanying
is the Copy of a note from Mr Furuhjelm, in reply to my communication
of the 6th of August, which I had the honour of transmitting to
Your Grace with my Despatch of the 23rd of August.
accompanying
is the Copy of a note from Mr Furuhjelm, in reply to my communication
of the 6th of August, which I had the honour of transmitting to
Your Grace with my Despatch of the 23rd of August.
5. I infer from the tone of that communication that no instructions
have been received from St Petersburgh touching the passing of
British Ships and property through the Russian Frontier, andthat
that
it is not the intention of the local Authorities to interfere in any
manner with the rights now enjoyed by British Subjects, unless under
specific instructions from The Emperor's Government.
that
it is not the intention of the local Authorities to interfere in any
manner with the rights now enjoyed by British Subjects, unless under
specific instructions from The Emperor's Government.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
You will observe the suggestion of the Russian Govr (last enclosure) that a British Vessel should be stationed at the mouth of the Stekin River.
You will observe the suggestion of the Russian Govr (last enclosure) that a British Vessel should be stationed at the mouth of the Stekin River.
VJ
15 Jan
The Russian Governor's short letter is worth looking at.
It is very friendly. As to sending a British Vessel to the mouth
of the Stickeen before the end of the season & if a vessel of
war be meant, only the Admiral on the spot could do it in time
and I presume that the Governor will settle with him anything
that may be thought expedient.
Acknowledge receipt?
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
A. Choquette to Douglas, 28 September 1862, reporting on events in the Stikeen region, as per despatch.
Governor Furuhjelm to Douglas, 23 September 1862, expressing his willingness to co-operate with the governor in any way possible.
