Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 21 May 1863, CO 60:15, no. 6930, 343.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (4), Other documents (2).
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.
No. 33
21 May 1863
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Grace's despatch No 11 of the
10th February last having reference to the illicit supply of spirits by the Masters of Trading
Vesselsto
to the Indians on the North West Coast of British Columbia.
to the Indians on the North West Coast of British Columbia.
2. The large extent of coast, with its inlets and bays,
uninhabited by white people; the numerous Islands lying off
it forming intricate channels and hiding places, afford I
am sorry to say very great facilities for this iniquitous
traffic, the profits of which are so large as to inducethe
the
unscrupulous readily to incur the risk of capture and
conviction. The vile spirit that is sold to the Indian is
the origin of nearly all the trouble we have with them,
and for years past my anxious attention has been given to
intercept the trade. To put a stop to it altogether would
require a Fleet of Revenue Vessels constantly cruizing on
the coast, but I believe with the limited meansat
at command
the traffic has been reduced to a minimum.
the
unscrupulous readily to incur the risk of capture and
conviction. The vile spirit that is sold to the Indian is
the origin of nearly all the trouble we have with them,
and for years past my anxious attention has been given to
intercept the trade. To put a stop to it altogether would
require a Fleet of Revenue Vessels constantly cruizing on
the coast, but I believe with the limited meansat
at command
the traffic has been reduced to a minimum.
3. HM Ship Devastation has but just returned
from a cruize on the coast upon which she was sent by
Commodore Spencer at my requisition, and I am happy to say that through
the energy of Commander Pike three vessels have been seized
and condemned,and
and a large quantity of pure alchohol and
manufactured spirits confiscated.
and a large quantity of pure alchohol and
manufactured spirits confiscated.
4. I enclose herewith for your Grace's information a
copy of Commander Pike's Report of proceedings and I would
take this opportunity of representing to your Grace that
this is the second occasion upon which Commander Pike has
rendered good service tothe
the Colony in a manner which marks
him as an intelligent persevering and most judicious Officer.
the Colony in a manner which marks
him as an intelligent persevering and most judicious Officer.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Acke rect, signify the approval of the Duke of Newcastle of the proceedings adopted by the Governor, and say that the only way of checking this illicit trade in spirits is by putting the Law into full force against the violators of it.
Acke rect, signify the approval of the Duke of Newcastle of the proceedings adopted by the Governor, and say that the only way of checking this illicit trade in spirits is by putting the Law into full force against the violators of it.
Add that the Duke of Newcastle has had much pleasure
in forwarding to the Admy a copy of the Governor's
despatch commending the services of Commander Pike.
ABd
16 July
I agree, with the exception only that I doubt whether we
need insert the passage which I have marked in pencil. I
think that an approval of what he has done will be sufficient,
without the general remark about the future?
TFE
16 July
I think so. The Bishop of Columbia gave me a striking
account the other day of the lamentable effects upon the
Indians of this vile supply of the vilest spirits. Govr
Douglas's efforts to prevent it deserve all praise.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Commander J.W. Pike to Commodore J.W.S. Spencer, 28 April 1863,
reporting on his expedition against liquor sellers on the coast of
Vancouver Island and British Columbia, with enclosures.
Master H.O. Simpson to Pike, 7 April 1863, reporting the
seizure of liquor on Cormorant Island and subsequent pursuit of
George Collins, who sold it to the Indians.
Simpson and Boatswain W.T. Daw to Pike, 7 April 1863,
advising that they had boarded the
Kingfisher and found a large quantity of liquor, the
master admitting that he had traded liquor for furs with the natives.
Daw and Lieutenant W.C. Singleton to Pike, 12 April 1863,
reporting the discovery of liquor hidden in a house in Kitimat
owned by a trader, Louis Morris.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 27 July 1863, forwarding
copy of the despatch and commending the services of Commander Pike.
