Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 4 May 1865, CO 60:21, no. 6398, 410.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (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.
Seymour reports on the failed attempt capture the men
who murdered an Indian Constable at Metlakahlta and wounded several others.Seymour notes that the United States authorities were of great help, and he explains the steps taken to
pacify the Indians at Metlakahlta.
No. 40
4th May 1865
Sir,
With reference to my despatch No. 39 of the 9th of
September 1864 and to your reply of the 8th of December,
I have now the honor to report, though with muchregret
regret,
that the men who murdered an Indian Constable at Metlakahlta
and wounded several others, have not been captured.
regret,
that the men who murdered an Indian Constable at Metlakahlta
and wounded several others, have not been captured.
2. I am not much suprised at this. The feeling of
the Majority of the population in the adjoining territory
would be strongly opposed to the surrendering to British
justice American citizens who had merely shot Indians who
were interfering,(though
(though on behalf of the Law) with the
traffic carried on by the white men.
(though on behalf of the Law) with the
traffic carried on by the white men.
3. The United States' Authorities however furnished
every assistance. It is to the Officers of the American
Garrison at San Juan that we owe the seizure of the Sloop
"Random," on board of which the murder was committed. She
was taken by the American troops when lying at Orcas Island.The
The crew escaped into the bush. Governor Pickering of
Washington Territory did all he could to further the ends of
Justice and from the Governor of the Russian Possessions on
this Coast I received a most obliging reply to my request
for assistance.
The crew escaped into the bush. Governor Pickering of
Washington Territory did all he could to further the ends of
Justice and from the Governor of the Russian Possessions on
this Coast I received a most obliging reply to my request
for assistance.
4. I fully complied with all Mr Duncan suggested as
means to pacify the Indians at Metlakahtla. A surgeon was
sent up to attend thewounded
wounded men. Nurses were hired to wait
on them. A small pension bestowed on the widow of the murdered
Constable. I am in hopes that the Natives are fully satisfied
with the action of the Government.
wounded men. Nurses were hired to wait
on them. A small pension bestowed on the widow of the murdered
Constable. I am in hopes that the Natives are fully satisfied
with the action of the Government.
5. I hope to visit the scene of Mr Duncan's very interesting
and successful labours during the course of the present summer.
I
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
Approve all that the Governor has done in this matter.
Approve all that the Governor has done in this matter.
I shd say that the case was scarcely of sufficient
importance to ask the F.O. to cause thanks to be conveyed to
Governor Pickering for his help.
I agree. Govr Seymour does not suggest any thanks—& has
doubtless thanked Pickering for himself.
TFE
10 July
