Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 10 September 1864, CO 60:19, no. 10605, 228.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), 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.
Seymour sends correspondence between himself and Vice Admiral Kingcome regarding the
Naval requirementsof British Columbia.
No. 42
10th September 1864
Sir,
I have the honor to forward copy of a correspondence which
has passed between Vice Admiral Kingcome and myself respecting
the Naval requirements of this Colony.
2. It is almost impossible to overrate the value of the
Services rendered to British Columbia by Admiral Kingcome in
placing H.M.S. "Sutlej" at mydisposal
disposal for the conveyance to
Bentinck Arm of the Volunteer force enrolled in New Westminster.
My despatch No. 37 of the 9th Instant will have informed you
of the extent which the Indian Insurrection had taken, and shown
that it was rapidly spreading. You will also have learnt that
the party of Volunteers under Mr Cox, the only one we had the
means of despatching, having reached the enemy's country, found
itself unequal to the work which had to be performed. With the
Assistance furnished by Admiral Kingcome, however, a second armed
party was enabled unexpectedly to penetrateto
to the interior from
the Sea, strike terror into the minds of the Indians, and form a
junction with the Expedition from Alexandria in the heart of the
Chilicoten Country.
disposal for the conveyance to
Bentinck Arm of the Volunteer force enrolled in New Westminster.
My despatch No. 37 of the 9th Instant will have informed you
of the extent which the Indian Insurrection had taken, and shown
that it was rapidly spreading. You will also have learnt that
the party of Volunteers under Mr Cox, the only one we had the
means of despatching, having reached the enemy's country, found
itself unequal to the work which had to be performed. With the
Assistance furnished by Admiral Kingcome, however, a second armed
party was enabled unexpectedly to penetrateto
to the interior from
the Sea, strike terror into the minds of the Indians, and form a
junction with the Expedition from Alexandria in the heart of the
Chilicoten Country.
3. Had Admiral Kingcome been earlier in this part of his
Station, the lives of Macdonald's party would probably have been
saved, and the rising of that portion of the Chilicoten people
which obeys averted.
4. I have no doubt that the Legislative Council when in
Session will join me in tendering the thanks of the Colony, if
not a more substancial evidenceof
of gratitude to Admiral Kingcome.
of gratitude to Admiral Kingcome.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Cardwell
This appears to be sent for information, and I do not see that it requires any action.
This appears to be sent for information, and I do not see that it requires any action.
TFE
21 Novr
I think a copy shd go to Admy & Governor be informed.
EC
23
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Vice Admiral John Kingcome to Seymour, 28 May 1864, advising of
the disposition of his ships on the station and what assistance
could be offered to the colony.
Seymour to Kingcome, 1 June 1864, describing the current crisis
and asking for assistance in conveying a party to Bentinck Arm.
Other documents included in the file
