Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Kennedy, Arthur to Cardwell, Edward 3 December 1864, CO 305:23, no. 1334, 482.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (1), Enclosures (transcribed) (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), 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.
Kennedy submits a report from Chief Justice Cameron in support of the guilty verdict of the jury in the trial of two men, named Quoqiulimot, and Stashul, and a woman named in the murder of five individuals.
No. 101
3rd December 1864
Sir
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a Report of the Chief
Justice in reference to the trial and conviction of two Indians for a
very attrocious and unprovoked murder, and to inform you that after
consultation with my Executive Council it was decidedthat
that the
sentence should be carried into effect, which was accordingly done by
the execution of the culprits this day.
that the
sentence should be carried into effect, which was accordingly done by
the execution of the culprits this day.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Copy, David Cameron, Chief Justice, to Kennedy, 24 November 1864,
supporting the guilty verdict of the jury in the trial of two men, named "" and "",
and a woman named "" in the murder of five indivudals. Transcribed below.
Other documents included in the file
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
Copy
To His Excellency Arthur Edward Kennedy C.B. Governor, and Commander in Chief in, and over the Colony of Vancouver Island,
and its Dependencies
and its Dependencies
Sir,
I have the honor to report
1. That in pursuance, and by virtue of Your Excellency’s Commission of Oyer, and Terminer, and General Gaol Delivery, bearing date the Twenty Eighth day of October last, a Court for the trial of all such offences as might be brought before it, was summoned, and held at Victoriabefore
before me on Thursday the third day of November instant.
1. That in pursuance, and by virtue of Your Excellency’s Commission of Oyer, and Terminer, and General Gaol Delivery, bearing date the Twenty Eighth day of October last, a Court for the trial of all such offences as might be brought before it, was summoned, and held at Victoriabefore
before me on Thursday the third day of November instant.2. That during its sitting, and Indictment was found by the Grand Jury against two
men named Quoqiulimot, and Stashul, and one woman named Ich-chi-co-mat, for the murder of five individuals, viz, Mary Smith, and her child (a female) a boy named Jax, and two men named Neach, and Lo-to-ax, all Indians.
3. That the Indictment was tried by a Common Jury on Friday, the eleventh Instant,
and after a careful consideration of the evidence, a verdict
verdict of guilty was returned against the men Quoquilimot, and Stashul, and of not guilty as to Ich-chi-co-mat, the woman, who was there-upon discharged. —
verdict of guilty was returned against the men Quoquilimot, and Stashul, and of not guilty as to Ich-chi-co-mat, the woman, who was there-upon discharged. — 4. That on Monday, the Fourteenth Instant, judgement of Death was passed on Quoquilimot, and Stashul, for the murders of which they had been found guilty— Execution of which was ordered to take place on Saturday the 3rd day of December next.
5. I transmit herewith a copy of my minutes of the evidence given at the trial, for
Your Excellency’s information. It
It is circumstantial in its nature, but it clearly establishes the guilt of the Convicts.
— I quite concur in the verdict of the jury, and I feel the offence to be in its nature
so atrocious, that I do not think it consistent with my duty, to recommend Your Excellency to exercise your prerogative of Mercy. —
It is circumstantial in its nature, but it clearly establishes the guilt of the Convicts.
— I quite concur in the verdict of the jury, and I feel the offence to be in its nature
so atrocious, that I do not think it consistent with my duty, to recommend Your Excellency to exercise your prerogative of Mercy. —