Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch from London
Cardwell, Edward to Seymour, Frederick 1 December 1864, NAC RG7:G8C/11, 371.
Abstract
Despatch from London.
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.
Cardwell acknowledges receipt of official reports on expeditions
to obtain the surrender of the Chilicoten Indians who murdered Mr. Waddington's Road Partyand praises the men for their
gallantry and devotion to the public interest.
No. 52
Downing Street
1st December 1864
Sir,
I duly received your Despatch No. 37 of the 9th of September, and
perused with much interest your detailed account of the expeditions
deigned to obtain the surrender of the Chilicoten Indians who murdered
Mr. Waddington's RoadParty
Party. I have since received your Despatch No.
58 of the 7th of October in which you describe the further proceedings
of Mr. Brew and of the party of New Westminster Volunteers who acted
under his orders, and announce their safe return.
Party. I have since received your Despatch No.
58 of the 7th of October in which you describe the further proceedings
of Mr. Brew and of the party of New Westminster Volunteers who acted
under his orders, and announce their safe return.
The readiness of all the Volunteers on this occasion to enter upon
so arduous a service for the good of their fellow Colonists does them
high credit. I need hardly say that I appreciate the gallantry and
devotion to the public interest which led you to share thedangers
dangers and
privations of one of the two parties of Volunteers; and laudable as was
the steadiness and fortitude displayed by them I cannot doubt that they
must have been most valuably encouraged by your presence in their Camp.
dangers and
privations of one of the two parties of Volunteers; and laudable as was
the steadiness and fortitude displayed by them I cannot doubt that they
must have been most valuably encouraged by your presence in their Camp.
It is my earnest hope that the triumph of the Europeans over the
difficulties of this expedition into an Indian Country, and the
consequent surrender of some of the persons accused of the previous
murders may producea
a salutary impression and conduce to the public
safety.
a salutary impression and conduce to the public
safety.
Governor Seymour