Mainwaring, Frederick
Titles and roles:
- Lieutenant Colonel
Biographical information is not yet available for this person.
institute a militia, adopt a standard of weights and measures, and survey a new road into the Willamette Valley.4 Amongst his propositions, Abernethy was also a strong advocate for: strong schools, a pilot service to assist ships attempting to travel across the Columbia River, and an easier system for land claims.5
immediate and prompt actionmindset after the Whitman Massacre.7 In 1849, Oregon officially became a territory and along with this change, Abernethy's position of provisional governor ended; however, he remained in Oregon City until a flood destroyed his house in 1861 which pushed him to move to Portland.8
active and conspicuous in laying the foundation of a great common-wealth.9 During his life -- before and after his move to Portland -- Abernethy was a major philanthropist. In 1847, he contributed to the Clackamas County Female Seminary, and in 1856 he purchased Portland's first fire engine. Today, Abernethy's (also spelt “Abernathy”) name appears on a school and neighborhood in Portland, and a creek and island in Clackamas County.10
from the 1st day of June to the 1st day of October, the Company have taken up 10,000 ounces, equal to One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars,approximately $3 million today.1 This is an impressive revenue for a man who, according to Douglas, had no previous mining experience.
… federation has in this case specially been a matter of most delicate treaty and compact between the provinces,became one of legal bases in the ongoing debate concerning the nature of Confederation.4 Raised to the peerage in 1878, he continued to make speeches in the Lords and write letters to the Times on educational and colonial affairs.5
testifying to Lord's capabilities and worth,in a document enclosed within the application.
the emigrators rules or conditionsrequired for Vancouver Island.1
Queen Charlotte Islandsin 1852.
a very hearty breakfastthat might have included sturgeon.3 A report of his journey was published in 1802,4 and though Galiano's conclusions about the economic potential of the area were generally positive, the Spanish government declined a massive colonial effort there, since Galiano did not find the Northwest Passage.5 He thus concluded his naval career in other parts of the world, with which these despatches are not concerned.6
free grantsof land in the colony based on their years of service.2 Alexander was informed that as he was a chaplain, and not a regular officer, he did not qualify for the grants. Henry Pelham Fiennes Pelham Clinton, the fifth Duke of Newcastle, noted in the file that
Chaplains have not the qualifications for settling a country which Military & Naval Officers have…3
Not Known.5 He was ordained deacon in 1852, priested in 1853, and held the position of Rector of Colwick from 1874 until his death in 1896 at the age of seventy.6
formerly Commander of the Niger exploring expeditionof 1841-42. The mission was considered unsuccessful due to high mortality rates from disease. Allen, then captain of the Wilberforce, was not blamed for the expedition's failure but placed on half pay when he returned to England.1 He retired from the Navy in 1855 and promoted to retired rear-admiral in 1862.2
Mr. Allison's claim produces £10 a day, for each man employed.4
got rid of the House of Apes,the Assembly of Vancouver Island.2 When British Columbia joined confederation in 1871, he requested that the imperial government transfer him since he could see
no hope of preferment within the Colony, inasmuch as a Responsible form of Government has been established, in which all vacancies will be filled by the political friends of the ministry of the day.3 He left British Columbia in August 1871 and served as queen's advocate in Sierra Leone for a year before succumbing to African fever.4
testifying to Lord's abilities as a veterinary surgeon,in a document enclosed within the application.
not only never thinks of what he is going to say […] he is utterly incapable of remembering what he has said.3 During Anderson's 15 years as bishop, the Red River Settlement was torn by a series of religious and socio-ethnic conflicts, some exacerbated by his junior clerics, and some by the bishop himself.4
far worse than a Venetian oligarchy.3 Angelo became a clerk in the Victoria Customs Office, where he received duties for the province and recorded the transactions in the department books.4 In the summer of 1859, colonial officials discovered
certain irregularities and apparent fraudsin the Customs Office.5 They determined that $800 was missing from the account books.6 In a despatch to Sir Lytton, James Douglas recounts that
suspicion [attaches] strongly to [Angelo].7 Swift proceedings were enacted by the Attorney General and Crown Solicitor against Angelo.8 He was tried and found guilty on 11 August 1859 for embezzling and falsifying the Customs Office accounts.9 Angelo was imprisoned for two months, despite several petitions of release from the public.10 In the Daily Evening Bulletin, Angelo is described as
the life and soul of the Custom House Department… [returning] to the world as a wiser man.11 After his imprisonment, Angelo returned to California as a journalist for a local newspaper, and then joined the Idaho gold rush in 1863, the inspiration for his book, Idaho.12 On30 May 1875, Angelo passed away at the age of 64.13
Arrowsmiths improved map of Vancouver's Island.Mount Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island is named after John and his uncle, Aaron Arrowsmith.2
in the Constabulary or other servicein British Columbia, Atherley was an officer who Bedford had served under
at the time when in consequence of peace the reduction of the army was intended.1 In Atherley's letter, written from his station in Gibraltar at the time, he expresses his regret that Bedford did not remain in his regiment, since Bedford's service gave Atherley
every satisfaction.2
Judge-Advocate of the Fleet, and standing counsel to the Admiraltyin 1855. He was knighted,
as a matter of course,when he was given the position of Solicitor General in 1859. In 1861 he was promoted to Attorney General. He died on 22 January 1864, at the age of fifty-eight.1
will do away with him.After noticing violent intentions from the group, they docked on land where White
refused to go any furtherwith the group. They left White on the island with
clothes…and a little flourwhereupon he was left alone for two days. Subsequently, White was taken 20 miles away from Fort Rupert by a few Indigenous men where they promised to
take [him] to their home.White was ordered to make a fire and then was shot in the shoulder by one of the Indigenous men. White then ran away and hid in a bush for days before he was found by Aylash and three other Indigenous people. Aylash took White to her home, gave him food, and, according to his account,
treated [him] very well.Aylash and the others moved White to various villages before stopping at Sabassah. On 3 October 1862, White was removed from the village of the Kithrahtalah by Commander John Pike. White gave Aylash and her partner, Quoshawahl $15
for their humanity in rescuing him from starvation and providing him with food and lodging for more than 6 weeks.
testifying to Lord's abilities as a veterinary surgeon, and his additional scientific knowledge, as a great benefit during service in the Crimea,in a document enclosed within the application.
no report had been received from the colony on the fate of Pfeiffer,and they should contact the Governor of BC directly.
engage the services of Mr. Bacon as Melter.1 Newcastle's despatch to Douglas, and Douglas's subsequent reply, confirms that Bacon was employed as a melter at the Government Refinery and Assay Office in British Columbia. The office, which had been recently moved from Victoria to New Westminster, processed 1600 ounces of gold dust in one month and, according to Douglas, was
in a state of efficient organization.2 After two years of employment there, Bacon and his co-workers earned Douglas's ire when they requested a salary increase that was deemed
to bear very much the complexion of an attempt upon their part to coerce the Government into a compliance with their demands.3 Bacon and his co-workers claimed that they had
been led to expect by the Master of the Mint that [their] salaries would be increased at an early periodand refused to continue working until the raise was granted.4 The Assay Office insisted on the entitlement promised them by Professor Thomas Graham, but, with an understanding that was
simply a verbal one,Douglas continuously denied their application. In the minutes of Douglas's despatch, Elliot criticizes the assayers and refiners for their
comparative idlenessand calls for
effective discouragementof the Assay Office's strike. Newcastle's reply agrees with Elliot, stating that
to yield to an official strike in such a colony as B.C. would be fatal.5
captives in the hands of the Indians, who had stripped them of everything.4 The crew sent the HBC a plea for help, but they were ignored because the HBC viewed them as an American threat to their gold prospects at Haida Gwaii.5 Captain Balch went to their aid and managed to safely ransome all the detainees.6
a shrewd careful magistrate, extremely methodical and correct in all his official transactions.3 He served in a similar capacity in the Kootenays and Quesnel.4 In 1867 he was appointed a member of the BC Legislative Council for Cariboo West.5 He retired in 1881 and spent the rest of his life in San Francisco.6
great excitement among the American population of that quarterat the discovery of gold in Haida Gwaii.
daily activitiesand languages of these Indigenous communities.1 Publishing his ethnographic writings in the Daily Victoria Gazette, academics and politicians at that time regarded Banfield
a foremost authority on the cultures and territories of the [Indigenous] people.2 For those reason, Sir James Douglas selected Banfield as
the idea candidate for Indian Agent for the southwest coast of Vancouver Islandin 1859, shortly after the “Swiss Boy affair”—in which the merchant brig was “plundered” by the Huu-ay-aht and Tseshaht peoples in Barkley Sound—had damaged relations between the British and the Huu-ay-aht.3
agreement for land usein Barkley Sound, where colonial investors wanted to
build and operate a forestry milland settle on the
productive land.4 In 1859, Chiefs Tliishin and Howeesem “assented” to Banfield's land purchase agreement by
affixing strips of sacred cedar barkto the document; however, considering the conventions of Huu-ay-aht law,
Tliishin likely considered Banfield's payments as rent or homage rather than purchase.5 As one scholar argues, Banfield effectively
prepared the ground for and managed the arrival of colonistsin Barkley Sound, using violence, and threats thereof, when “necessary.”6
accusations of foul playinvolving Chief Tliishin.7 After threatening violence against the Huu-ay-aht community, the British arrested three men who were supposedly involved in the death of Banfield, but who were all acquitted before a judge on account of weak evidence.8
It's good to be getting the land back, but we had to pay a lot more for it than the blankets and beads in those days.9
It is the last place in the globe to which (were I going to emigrate) I should select as an abode(Galbraith, 285).
another respectable traveller from Carriboo,there to mine for gold, and who knew, reports Douglas, of
one company of four men working on Antler Creek, who each receive 1000 dollars a week from their mining claim.
gentlemen who bear a high character in the Colony, for general intelligence and integrity.5
succeeded to the baronetcyin 1848, became chief clerk in 1870, and retired in 1872.5
merry fellow of rather affected mannerwith a
genial nature.7
dead or alive.4 This incident would evolve into a complex and dramatic court-case in which Beardmore would give testimony, which Pelly mentions in this letter to Grey.
nearly resembling that of proconsul and consul than that of judge and governor.5 Begbie was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the province of British Columbia in 1871.6
an autocrat of autocrats, hard, irascible, and given to handing down the most extraordinary judgements.7 Posthumously, he became known as “The Hanging Judge,” but popular opinion is divided on this title.8 Biographer David R. Williams argues that Begbie
was stern, but the criminal law of the time was also stern and Begbie could do little to soften its rigours,and he asserts that
Begbie from his earliest days in British Columbia admired Indians as a race and liked them as individuals.9 However, Begbie's inflexible application of English Law on Indigenous communities resulted in a disproportionate number of executions of Indigenous Peoples: 22 out of the 27 people he sentenced to death were Indigenous.10
to act as a law unto himself, and as there was no Court of Appeal nearer than London, he generally got his way.11 One example of this is Bebgie's sentences following the Chilcotin War, in which a group of Tŝilhqot'in individuals killed men who were working on the Bute road in 1864.12 Although the Tŝilhqot'in were protecting their territory from encroachment, Judge Begbie sentenced six Tŝilhqot'in Chiefs to death.13 In a conversation with James Douglas, Begbie revealed his approach to sentencing practices:
My idea is that, if a man insists upon behaving like a brute, after fair warning, and won't quit the Colony, beat him like a brute and flog him.14 Begbie established a British law in Canada that prioritized justice for European settlers but not for Indigenous Peoples. This disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous Peoples continues today.15
whether Government offers to approvable Emigrants free passages to British Columbia.At the time of his enquiry, he was living on Blackness Farm in Dundee, Scotland. In reply, Bell was informed that the government did not provide free passage for approvable emigrants.
Ordinance or Actestablishing a Supreme Court on the island could not
be properly assented to by the Crownnor could it
have the force of law.5 In 1856, Bethell wrote Permanent Under Secratery Merivale discussing the legal limits of the Governor's power on Vancouver Island.6 The same year, Bethell was involved in the discussion about which offices would be the benefactors of the revenue from the purchase of the Hudson's Bay land on Vancouver Island by the British government. Also, the Hudson's Bay Company wanted to know if they had any claim to land on British Columbia, as their trading rights there predated the terms set by the Treaty of Oregon of 1846. Bethell responded that they had no claim to land in British Columbia.7
a native of Francethat left Cariboo on 1 August 1861.1 He had spent about a month mining in Cariboo and in that time acquired $4500 worth of gold dust. According to Bijou, he was not so fortunate, as others were making as much as $1000 a day. Bijou had mined in California before,
but never saw a Gold-field so rich as Cariboo.2
his autocratic management stylein his department and the Colonial Office as a whole.8 He was married to Catherine Isabella, daughter of a London shipping engineer, and had two children with her.9 In 1920, Blake passed away due to a heart attack.10
continual attacks of ague and subsequent relapses.
continual attacks of ague.
dead or alive,and the sailors were subsequently killed.3 However, the HBC found no merit to these claims upon investigation of the event.4
zeal and activitywere noted by HBC Governor Eden Colvile, who promoted him to chief trader of Fort Rupert in 1855.5 However, he left to take charge of Fort Colvile in the US.6 He returned to Victoria only three years later where he spent his remaining years involved in mining and farming exploits before becoming the Indian agent of the Kwahkewith agency in 1881.7 While in office he protected native fishing rights, encouraged Indigenous employment in salmon canneries, and tried to abolish the illegal liquor trade on the coast.8
gentleman of great intelligenceby James Douglas and a
courageous, good-natured, active intelligent Cornishmanby Helmcken.9 Blenkinsop Lake and valley, Blenkinsop Bay, and Blenkinsop Islet were all named after him following his death in 1904.10
independent of the Hudson's Bay Company.1
qualified in point of character or education to fill the office.6 However, Douglas later complained that the magistrates were incompetent, and decided to establish a Supreme Court of Civil Justice on Vancouver Island under his brother-in-law, David Cameron. Blinkhorn joined another petition sent to Queen Victoria, complaining about Douglas's nepotism, but ultimately failed.7
It is only 5 or 6 weeks more that pack trains come in here, and then we can get any price for them … You bet I would soak into them. The Country is alright, there is more gold in it as there was in California, dont say nothing to nobody.
disbursementhas been made by his department. He requests that the amount
be paid to Her Majesty's Paymaster General to the credit of the Vote for Lighthouses abroad.Bowring died on 8 August 1911.2
European and Asiatic Intercourse via British Columbia by means of a Main Through Trunk Railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific.3 He subsequently wrote Lytton proposing a meeting; but was dismissed by Merivale as a “monomania[c].”4 Broun was later the director of the Paris-Dieppe Railway.
one enterprising proprietorwho had
discovered on his ground, a large tract of excellent land, which certainly cannot be surpassed in point of fertility or quality of soil.
took to the woods,intent on meeting the England at a different port, but the men were killed by local First Nations, likely members of the Kwaguʼł Tribe, apparently on Blenkinsop's orders.2 According to Morseby, as seen in a transcribed enclosure to Parker, John to Peel, Sir Frederick 28 November 1851, CO 305:3, no. 10075, 215, Brown told Blenkinsop, who was temporarily in charge of the fort in McNeill's absence, that the offering of a reward
for their Headswas
a rash thing.
a remarkably well conducted and inoffensive young man.
Lady Bruce…was buried in the Bruce mausoleum in old Dunboe churchyard,where, presumably, Bruce was buried thereafter.9
distressed British subject, such as Burke, to be granted passage home.2 As this custom only applied to distressed British soldiers, Stamp had substituted
subjectin for “soldier” on the official document.3 Requesting that Stamp be informed of his error, the British Government paid for Burke's passage; Stamp had left his position prior to Newcastle's reply, however, Douglas informed Stamp's successor of the mistake.4
The Indians are very particular about their style of blanket and its quality; quite as much so, indeed, as Ladies are about the fashion of their attire.Burnaby continued,
the moment they see you want something they double their demands.9
hot headednessduring the San Juan Island Dispute could have
risked a collision.13
party of rowdies from Hill's Bar.Warrants were issued for the arrest of him and another miner by the name of Farrell after an incident in which a group of miners allegedly beat a black barber named Dixon. Burns was subsequently acquitted of the charge when Dixon was unable to recognize him.
packing all places in the Colony with his ‘Creatures.'2 However, Begbie's letter of reference convinced British officials of Bushby's character. Douglas later managed to persuade them on all other points.
immediate employmentwithCaptain Parsons' company in order to
render essential assistance with reference to the disposal of the mining Population now in [British Columbia], towards productive operations, [and to] prevent their withdrawal from the Country.4 Cadell composed reports for the CO on how to develop mining in British Columbia 5 and wrote to the prime minister to implement these
colonial developmentplans. 6 From 1858 to 1860, Cadell,
without solicitation or encouragement,sent a
score of letters7 to the Colonial Office
in quest of Government employment in the New Colony.8 Despite his fervent desire to improve the
permanent population and the production of gold,Cadell was not hired by any colonial officials.9 Many of his letters to the office were deemed
not to be answered,and despatch minutes reveal that officials thought
Mr. Cadell [was] not right in the head.10 Cadell had an independent career in gold mining and colonial operations without the aid of a Colonial Office appointment. In the 1870s, Cadell invented
Gold Washing Machinery,11 and a gold extracting sifter.12 Additionally, Cadell was an auditor for the city of Victoria in the 1870s.13 On 9 May 1883, Cadell passed away at the age of 73.14
a name which goes down to Posterity associated with theWilliam is related to P. Cadell.Carronade.
a companyin British Columbia: Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 17 December 1859, CO 305:11, no. 1545, 387 references a private letter sent by Caird to abandon this intention.
impossible.9 And on 1 August 1859, Prevost wrote James Douglas commenting on Campbell's conduct stating,
Upon arrival there [Semiahoo Bay] I found that Mr. Campbell had been absent for about a fort-night.Prevost also reported that Campbell had been on the Shubrick,
professedly on a deer shooting excursion.10 Nonetheless, Campbell would serve again as US Commissioner surveying the Rocky Mountains to the easternmost point of Lake of the Woods from 1872 to 1874.11 Campbell died in Washington D.C. on 27 July 1887.
of mixed good and ill.6
with the intention of settling,but ended up
leaving the colony in disgust,in reaction to the HBC's apparent monopoly of Vancouver Island lands.
a collision between the Settlers and the Nativesin the Fraser and Thompson River regions. He warned that without intervention by the colonial authorities, the conflict
will soon ripen into a deadly war of races.He also suggested that
Native title should be recognized in British Columbia, and that some reasonable adjustments of their claims should be made by the British Government.Chesson described First Peoples in the colony of BC's as
acute and intelligentand
keenly sensitive in regard to their own rights as the aborigines of the Country.
love of freedom.It was
very naturalthat he should
interesthimself in the welfare of
the four millions of slaves in the Southern States.3 Chesson organized and worked for a wide range of humanitarian organizations, from the Emancipation Society, which lobbied against British recognition of the Confederate States, to the APS.4 He was also a campaigner and supporter of the Liberal party. In 1855, Chesson became the assistant secretary of the APS and then its secretary in 1866.5 Because the position did not pay much, Chesson also worked as a journalist for the Morning Star and the South Australian Register.6
Mr. Chesson will long be remembered in connection with the lifelong pursuit of the most honourable, philanthropic, and Christian object.7
extended the surveys and organized the sale of more than half a million acres, especially near the goldfields, so that the cultivated area doubled in twelve months.5 By 1856, he had advocated for the passing of a democratic constitution for the colony. The same year he won a seat in parliament as the liberal representative from South Melbourne and in the following year he helped achieve universal male suffrage.6 In addition, Clarke held positions such as the Grandmason of the Freemasons in Victoria, the first Presidency of the Victoria Philosophical Institute and was lovingly nicknamed “Spicy Andrew”.7
liberal views of the writer,except for the payment of sales.10 Douglas believed that buyers should not have to pay deposits upfront, as this might hinder the speed colonial development.11 Douglas thought Clarke's report applied well to a landscape such as Victoria, but failed to account for the climate and frontiers of British Columbia in his estimations.12
proclamation of the 18th of March 1861,which contains information related to his enquiry.
there are not any grounds on which the Company is entitled to claim against the Crown the absolute ownership of any of the Lands, occupied or used in British Columbia before the Treaty of Oregon.4 In 1856, he was made Attorney General; a post he kept until he was appointed the Chief Justice on the Queen's Bench in 1859.5 He died 20 November 1880 at his home at the age of 78.
had established a considerable reputation as a City accountant by the late 1840s and was often called by the Bank of England to investigate the solvency of suspect firms, including Trueman & Cook, colonial brokers.2 Coleman died on 6 November 1868, at the age of sixty.
ready to submitthe question to Sir John Coleridge as suggested by Secretary Merivale.7 Coleridge agreed to arbitrate the dispute if needed. However, the matter never came under his observation as it was
refused on part of the government.8
disappointed and indignantgroup to represent them
in the hope that he would be able to bring their swindler to justice.1 Sleigh evaded the law by fleeing England, and Collingwood's appeals to the Colonial Office for assistance were rebuffed, but he was able to secure judgements for damages against most of the company's directors in civil court.2
400 of Her Majesty's seamen and marinesinto the Cowichan valley in the search for
the culprit.2 Governor James Douglas was so impressed with Connolly's
extraordinary meritthat, in his report of the expedition, he recommended Connolly receive a promotion.3 Henry Labouchere responded to Douglas stating that copies of his recommendation had been forwarded
to the Board of Admiralty.4 Just over a year later, Connolly was promoted to Captain on 5 February 1858.5 He remained in the Royal Navy as a captain until 21 December 1871 when he retired.6
an Officer of the Companywho has arrived in the colony to begin work on a telegraph line that would run across British Columbia.1 Although it is uncertain where exactly the telegraph wire will run through, Conway is in favour of carrying it along Okanagan Lake, by the Salmon River to Kamloops Lake, along the Thompson River to Bonaparte River, and after that
along the great high road of the Colony as far as Quesnel Mouth.2 The line would continue to follow the Fraser River as far as Fort George then
strike across country to Forts Macleod and Babine and afterwards proceed down the Valley of Simpson River to the Sea at Observatory Inlet.3
many years.2 Enquiries by the HBC found that Cook was employed
at the coal mine belonging to [the HBC] at Nanaimofrom 1853 to 1859, although the company was not sure if he was still working there.3
a complete sinecure.On 12 January 1860, Cooper won a seat in the House of Assembly for Esquimalt and Metchosin district on a reform ticket but was obliged to resign when the Colonial Office ordered him to take up residence in New Westminster.4 Following the extension of British Columbia's jurisdiction over Vancouver Island in 1866, Cooper returned to Victoria in 1867 as harbour master of Victoria and Esquimalt, but he resigned this position on 27 January 1869 to become a hotel keeper and wine merchant in Victoria.5
the assembling of Indians in considerable numbers on the spot…would be objectionable and calculated to injure respectability.4 On 26 November 1861, Cooper was appointed, amongst other members, to a committee with the responsibility to
draw up a set of rules for the organization and management of a hospital.5 By 13 February 1862, Cooper was elected as the treasurer on the first Board of Managers for the Royal Columbia Hospital.6
absconding fundsas $687 was missing soon after Cooper took his leave of absence to England.7 For the next two years, Cooper's position was questioned and eventually in 1866-1867 his direct and official connection to the colony of British Columbia was terminated.8 After Cooper's “resignation,” he left for Australia; although, it is unclear how long Cooper remained there as his date of death is unknown.
a man's rights.5 Beyond Copland's struggles to become an official attorney for Vancouver Island, upon his arrival in Victoria, he initially presented himself as a land agent -- helping those who wished to obtain cheap land settlements -- primarily on Salt Spring Island.6 As a solicitor he advocated for the settlers on Salt Spring. The petition he circulated to promote their settlement on the island, was equally a petition to dispossess Indigenous Territory.7
supplementary lawCopland introduced which prohibited
persons from harboring squaws, a by-law to introduce
sanitary regulationsto the
disgraceful scenesof Indigenous women at the height of the smallpox epidemic.9 It is unclear how long Copland remained in his positions as his date of death is unknown, but his ads as a solicitor -- to sell land lots -- appear in the newspaper until at least 1865.10
club-lawand overall anti-settlement attitude that existed in HBC territory.
possessory rightsof the HBC to its land and property north of the Columbia, the company had continued trouble with American settlers who took up claims to its land around Fort Vancouver. In order to protect some of the HBC's land claims, Crate filed personal land claims around the mill, which may have led to his decision to stay at the Fort after the HBC decided to relocate its operations to Fort Victoria in 1860. Crate was ordered to ship the milling equipment north, but only sent the equipment not fixed to the mill. The rest of the equipment he kept for his own and then later sold.3
highly esteemed and respected by all his hearers.2
state church,which
of all things [is] most unpopular to North Americans.7 The colony's Assembly declined Cridge's request for an income, but Cridge appealed to the HBC to follow through on their promise to grant him land.8 Neither the HBC, the Colonial Office, nor the Bishop of Columbia objected to Cridge taking on the parsonage and glebe for his own use.9 However, in a move of religious tolerance (or diplomacy), Newcastle instructed Douglas to allow all Christian sects to continue using the graveyard.10
plunderedby local Indigenous people. According to this letter, Crittle
had his jacket cut thro' the breast with a knife, in an attempt to stab him.
high characterand his professional abilities, describing him as
well-fitted to fill any appointment requiring the greatest energy and responsibility.
not a credible witnessbecause he exchanged favours with George Simpson.1
an ocean railway,between Britain and Halifax. The following year he organized the British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company, the corporate predecessor of the Cunard Line. He was knighted in 1859 for his service and that of his company during the Crimean War.
a native of Kentucky, and discoverer of William's Creek,opened the Cunningham Mine in 1861 with three partners. Over the course of 4 months, 18,450 ounces of gold, valued at three hundred thousand dollars was raised. In Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 27 October 1862, CO 60:13, no. 12259, 426, gold statistics for the Cunningham mine from 1861 - 1862 are highlighted to illustrate the
true character of the Caribou gold-fields.
Cushing, Bagley and many other Hill's Bar men are in San Francisco doing well.
Police Magistrate in the Gold Fields at Ballarat,as well as
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Deputy Sheriff in Victoria,but was forced from his positions after facing allegations of misconduct. While living in England in 1858, D'Ewes planned to emigrate to British Columbia, and was able to secure a letter of reference from Edward Bulwer Lytton, Secretary of State for the Colonies, based on
the representation of various Gentlemen who vouched for his respectability of character.Shortly after providing the letter, Lytton learned of D'Ewes's past and wrote to warn colonial governor James Douglas, but misspelled
D'Ewesas
Dewes.2 When Douglas chose to appoint an acting postmaster in Victoria, he did not recall Lytton's warning and, on the strength of Lytton's original reference, as well as
other letters and testimonials bearing evidence to his abilities, literary attainments, and to the position which he held in Society,gave D'Ewes the position. D'Ewes seemed to perform well, and, according to Douglas,
maintained his reputation with the public for being attentive, energetic, and most obliging in carrying out the functions of his not very enviable office.3 In September 1861, D'Ewes left Vancouver Island for
a shooting excursion to the Columbia Riverbut, rather than return to the colony, continued on to England. His disgraced family followed shortly after.4 It wasn't long before it was discovered that, in addition to abandoning his wife, children, position, and unpaid debt, D'Ewes had embezzled an estimated £1000 from the post office.5 In early December 1861, perhaps hoping he could collect some additional salary before the news from Vancouver Island caught up with him, D'Ewes
calledat the Colonial Office in London and told staff that he
intended to return to the Colony by the next opportunity.6 Then he disappeared. In April 1862, Victoria's Daily British Colonist newspaper reported that D'Ewes had
committed suicide by blowing out his brains, at Homburg, a watering place in Germany.7
sharp practice[s]and was often involved in land disputes between the Crown and the HBC.3 In 1859, Dallas argued for company claim over extensive land in British Columbia, which sparked a two year negotiation. In 1861, Dallas attempted to sell the last waterfront land in the Victoria's business area, despite Douglas's desire to build government offices in that space. Dallas also sold a plot of land to Leopold Lowenberg in 1861. Questions around the legitimacy of this sale resulted in fours years of debate.
Vancouver's Island Steam Sawing Mill and Agriculture Company.
Amalgamate his Companywith the British Columbia Overland Company. The Duke of Newcastle comments that
Dawson's character by no means stands high in Canada and his statements are open to suspicion.
what [he] loved most, viz: Love of order, beauty, the world, the universe.3 Then, in 1858, De Cosmos moved to Vancouver Island following his brother, Charles Smith, who had previously started a small business in the area.4 Cosmos would have a profound impact on the future of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
in our local politics we shall be found the sure friend of reform.6 Indeed, Cosmos would dedicate his political career to reforms, especially of British hierarchal institutions. Cosmos was extremely critical of Governor James Douglas's ties to the Hudson's Bay Company, enforcement of old social orders, and open displays of nepotism.7 Cosmos believed that colonization had been impeded by Douglas and his selfish interests.8
unsound of mindin 1895.17 Cosmos remained in Victoria until his death on 4 July 1897.
prevent the landing of further armed parties of the United States.4 De Courcy soon reported back to Douglas, advising against any further aggressive military provocations.5 Thereafter, De Courcy spent time patrolling regions like the Fraser River and Esquimalt.6 The De Courcy Island group, located near the Gulf Islands, was named in his honor.7
premier Baron.2 De Courcy enlisted in the military by the time he reached the age of 17 in 1838, where he entered the 47th Foot and served here until 1849, and in 1853 he was appointed as a Major for the Crimean War.3
pompous, passionate, and indiscreetbut overall a brave and competent officer.8 Other interesting facts that the article emphasized was his suspected involvement in “The Pig War” on account of de Courcy
committingan American citizen for trespassing as he had allowed his pig to cross over to the part of land deemed as British,9 this is not proven but likely asserted to demonstrate de Courcy's
eccentric personalityas a military officer.10
Treasurer of Buckingham and niece of Lord Chief Justice Tindal), in 1833.1 At 56 years of age, on January 9, 1889, De Veulle passed away in Victoria, survived by his wife and four daughters, one of which was
a member of a Protestant sisterhood in India.2 He lived at 118 Fort Street, and is interred in Ross Bay Cemetery.3
experienced officer who had served in the Baltic during the Crimean War and had survived the explosion on board the HMS Bombay,replaced Captain Bazalgette, the English commandant stationed there, in 1867.1 Until the British departed from San Juan in 1872, Captain Delacombe was the commandant of the Royal Marine detachment at the English Camp, on the northern end of the Island, where he lived with his wife (Isabella Anne Harris, 1835-1922) and children.2
relaxed relationsuntil the balance was offset by the arrival of a new American officer with a higher rank.5 In response, Captain Delacombe requested the promotion of his own rank to Lieutenant Colonel, to set the two officers on “equal footing.”6 However, Rear Admiral George Fowler Hastings (Commander-in-Chief in the Pacific) opposed and prevented the promotion.7
4 or 5 privates, with 10 volunteersto rescue the shipwrecked crew of the Georgianna.
better to be decidedly wrong than undecidedly right.3
Wakeekos was attempting to stab Dickand Dick
shot [Wakeekos] with a small gun or pistol.Upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice Joseph Needham, Dick was sentenced to
imprisonment for lifeon 6 April 1866.
retrenchment-- to cut back on the colony's spending -- and on amalgamating the Coroner's Office with that of the Stipendiary Magistrate of Victoria.7 Other members of the Legislative Assembly decided that it was against English Law to remove Dickson without a concrete cause; nonetheless, others considered the removal of Dickson a
good riddance.8 It is unclear if or when Dickson's removal occurred, what was more often stated in newspapers, such as the Chronicle, was primarily the debates over his imminent dismissal.9 Due to this uncertainty, it is unclear how long Dickson held his position besides the known six years he was Coroner, and because his death is also unknown -- Dickson and his later life remain a mystery.
plunderedfrom the Una at Neah Bay.
au façon du pays(custom of the country). In 1839, they had a church marriage at Fort Vancouver before finally settling at Fort Victoria in 1849 with their four daughters. Once in Victoria, Connolly-Douglas had two other children.3 When James Douglas was knighted in 1863, Amelia Douglas became known to the public as “Lady Douglas.” Although she originally kept to the
social background,she became increasingly comfortable in her role as the governor's wife, winning the hearts of many guests who visited the Douglas's home. One of Connolly-Douglas's contemporaries, Lady Franklin, described her as having a
gentle, simple & kindly matter.4
very active woman, energetic, and industrious,as she actively performed her role of maintaining the house and producing food.5 She continued in this role, and further grew in her “public persona,” after the death of her husband. Widowhood, as historian Adele Perry describes, was a time of relative independence and engagement in society for women. Conolly-Douglas's good standing within society is clearly shown in her obituary upon her death on 8 January 1890; the Daily Colonist described her as having
unvarying kindnessand
unostentatious Christian charity.6
deficientfor having leading officials who were married to Indigenous women; and they further expressed their own unhappiness that Indigenous Peoples would rank higher than them in the social hierarchy, such as Connolly-Douglas who held the position of the governor's wife.7
at liberty to hunt over unoccupied lands, and to carry on [their] fisheries as formerly.15 These rights continue to be violated today.16
the Society's missionary to the Indians in Vancouver Island,he arrived in Victoria with his wife on 2 February 1859.3 Dowson embarked on a tour of the Pacific coast two weeks later, travelling as far north as Fort Simpson, leaving his wife behind to fend for herself in their new home.4 In June 1859, he reported that he was living in a
little dilapidated school-housethat was
some distance from any considerable number of Indians.5 Dowson and his wife struggled in the colony and returned to England in early 1860 due to her
impaired health.6 He served as Rector of St. John's in Belize City, British Honduras, from 1861 to 1870 and was forty-seven years old when he died in 1875.7
he is remarkably zealous in the discharge of his duties.3
overbearing conduct,though this criticism was not substantial.4 Not much else is known of Duncan besides him being a frequent visitor of Honolulu and having contributed to the establishment of the Seaman's Chapel there.5 His date of death and what he did after his retirement is unknown.
granted a man 150 acres of land who had only to build a cabin and twirl his thumbs.4
first CMS missionary to arrive in Vancouver Island,given the task of establishing a mission around Fort Simpson.2 At the invitation of Rev. Edward Cridge, Duncan stayed at the rectory of Christ's Church, acting as the secretary of the Indian Improvement Committee in Victoria until departing for Fort Simpson in October, 1857.3
Duncan had come to the conclusion that if the work he was carrying on should have any permanent results, it would be necessary to remove those of the Indians, who had become subject to the power of the Gospel, from the evil influences of the heathen homes and surroundings.5 So, with the approval of Governor Douglas in 1860, Duncan set out to establish
a permanent Protestant missionary settlementin Metlakatla.6
model Christian villagein Metlakatla pledged to follow.7 It was widely acknowledged by scholars contemporary to him that, to the Tsimshian, following the first five rules that restricted their
religious ritesand
national customswould be like
cutting of the right hand or plucking out the right eye.8 Life in the protestant Missionary settlement started changing rapidly when, in 1879, Rev. William Ridley was consecrated as the Bishop of the diocese of Caledonia and choose Metlakatla as the seat of his See.9 Duncan and Ridley disagreed widely on how the missionary project was to be pursued, especially on the question of administering Christian sacraments (such as baptism and communion) to the Tsimshian, which Duncan adamantly opposed.10
white land-grabbers,Duncan and the Tsimshian began to dismantle the buildings in the settlement, leaving the site altogether and establishing “New” Metlakatla (with ~800 Tsimshian),
under the protection of the stars and stripes,in 1887.12
notoriety and acclaim,catching the attention of Governor Douglas (in the 1860s), and then the federal government (in the 1870s).13 One scholar argues that Duncan, who prepared reports during the 1870s for the Federal and Provincial governments on his experiences in Metlakatla, articulated
a new kind of assimilationist policy that would inform, at least in part, the Indian Act that was passedin 1876, an Act which
became the legal foundation for the state's organized assault on Indigenous lifewaysthrough Canada's Residential School system.14
whole system … would be wholly, and totally inapplicable to the nursing of a young Colony.1
Case,attached to an 1847 despatch, that detailed the complex legal arguments surrounding the HBC's position.2
leading frivolous lives,Dunsmuir retreated to a solitary life on his estate at Hatley Park. Dunsmuir spent many of his later years hunting and fishing at his lodge on the Cowichan River, where he died in 1920.5
idealistic noblemanfound the French-Canadian population less socially progressive than their English counterparts-- he recommended the assimilation of French Canadians into their
superiorculture.9
marauding party of Kake and Stikin[e] Indians, numbering a couple of hundredlanded at Whidbey Island and murdered Ebey at his home.2
warm friend and admirer of Ebey,returned the following year, aboard the Labouchere, and managed to acquire the scalp from the Kake in exchange for
a liberal reward.4 The Washington Legislative Assembly issued a resolution noting that Dodd had
risk[ed] his life and that of his crew, as well as the loss of his steamer, in his attempt to recover [the scalp of Ebey].5
4 or 5 barrels of powder.3 Later, he told Reverend William Henry Collison that the ship's capture and destruction was executed by the northern Haida tribes.4 Scowall, on the other hand, testifies that Edenshaw was involved from the beginning, and that he was responsible for the burning of the vessel.5 Winnet gives an equally damning statement, claiming that Edenshaw did nothing to prevent the Masset tribe from overpowering the crew.6 Due to the contradictory accounts given and the compromising involvement of each witness in the event, Douglas concludes that Prevost's investigation is unable to come to any conclusion as to who
the authors of that outrageare,7 though Rooney's statement attributes his and his crew's rescue to Edenshaw.8 Haida oral histories, and some accounts reported to Collison by several Haida at the time, rebuke this version of events, alleging that Edenshaw was responsible for planning the attack.9
nephewof the former chief, he attempted to become town chief.11 Edenshaw notably exploited his good relationship with settlers in order to legitimize his claims, a practice that conflicts with Haida tradition in which chiefship cannot be determined by anyone outside of the Haida clan.12 Despite his controversial legacy among some Haida, Edenshaw has been remembered in popular history as a great contributor in preserving Haida culture and serves as the protagonist of Christie Harris's award-winning novel, Raven's Cry. He is also known for his skill as an artist and carver, skills which he passed on to his similarly famous nephew and successor, Charles Edenshaw.
like any other fraud.7 Passed over for permanent under-secretary in 1860, Elliot retired in 1868 and was knighted for his service.8
their deep sorrow at the late melancholy bereavement which has deprived Her Majesty of a beloved and affectionate Husband, and the Nation at large of a wise and good Prince.It is clear that Prince Albert was highly regarded by the people of B.C.
no report had been received from the colony on the fate of Pfeiffer,and they should contact the Governor of BC directly.
accomplish the largest possible results with the smallest possible meansquite seriously and were
determined that their work…would not admit of failure;Ross died the next year, however, leaving Finlayson as chief officer.5
He is not a man of display, but there is a degree of energy, perseverance, method and sound judgement in all his arrangements.…He is besides a man of great probity and high moral worth.6
they never regret leaving their home but say they are very happy and comfortable.
never regret leaving their home but say they are very happy and comfortable.
never regret leaving their home but say they are very happy and comfortable.
concerning the desertion and thievery of…U.S. soldiersto Vancouver Island.3 Douglas reports that he has not complied with the request to surrender the deserters since
the offences with which those parties are charged… are not such as appear to be within the terms of the Treaty between Great Britain and the United States.4
fondly remembered as a brave pioneer and community leader,was also
an irresponsible, transient womanizer.5 Born in Stafford County, Virginia in 1818, Fitzhugh served in the Virginia legislature and practiced law in California throughout the late 1840s.6 In the early 1850s, he moved to the Pacific Northwest where he became
the most important man in the communityas the head of the Bellingham Bay Coal Company.7 He also held positions as
county auditor, Indian [commissioner], and… as United States District Judge.8 Fitzhugh's time in the Pacific Northwest was rife with scandal;
the people of Washington Territory complain[ed] that [he]…murdered a peaceful citizen, [went] armed with pistols to intimidate people, and [kept] a harem of Indian girls.9
discontent with E-yow-althand
took [her aunt] Xwelas as his second wife.11 Fitzhugh and Xwelas had two sons name Mason and Julius.12 According to Thrush and Keller,
even with two wives, Fitzhugh found that the appeal of domestic life waned,and in the late 1850s he left suddenly for Seattle with Julia, leaving his wives behind.13 Fitzhugh left Julia in Seattle and went on to form two other families in Virginia and again in Iowa.14 Eventually he abandoned them as well and returned west to San Francisco in the early 1880s.15 After
poverty and dissipation [had] clouded the last years of his brilliant career,Fitzhugh died of a stroke at the What Cheer Hotel, where his body was found on 24 November 1883.16
I See What I Have Done: The Life and Murder Trials of Xwelas, a S'Kallam Woman, Writing the Range, edited by Elizabeth Jameson and Susan Armitage (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997), 177.
I See What I Have Done: The Life and Murder Trials of Xwelas, a S'Kallam Woman, Writing the Range, edited by Elizabeth Jameson and Susan Armitage (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997), 177.
I See What I Have Done: The Life and Murder Trials of Xwelas, a S'Kallam Woman, Writing the Range, edited by Elizabeth Jameson and Susan Armitage (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997), 175-6; Edmund Clare Fitzhugh, Find a Grave.
I See What I Have Done: The Life and Murder Trials of Xwelas, a S'Kallam Woman, Writing the Range, edited by Elizabeth Jameson and Susan Armitage (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997), 175-6; Lottie Roeder Roth, Edmund C. Fitzhugh and the Sehome Mine, History of Whatcom County. Chicago: Pioneer Historical Publishing Company, 1926. Volume one pages 37-39.
I See What I Have Done: The Life and Murder Trials of Xwelas, a S'Kallam Woman, Writing the Range, edited by Elizabeth Jameson and Susan Armitage (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997), 177.
I once loved him sincerely; but so bad a temper and so given to take offence, that I gradually quite lost my love and wished only to keep out of contact with him.4
encouragement should be given to Companies for the purpose of working silver mines, [as] they cannot be worked advantageously by individual enterprise.2
in accordance with established rules,and that free grants were not made
to any persons whatever.2
Indigenous people were under peculiarly favourable circumstances for Christian teaching.5 He stayed in this position until 1865, in the same year on 7 April he was sworn into the privy council.6 Six years later, Fortescue became the president of the Board of Trade and remained in the position until 1874.7
Irish Questions, including but not limited to the question of Irish Home Rule.8 In his later career he continued to take charge of actions in Ireland when he accepted the position of Lord Privy Seal in 1881 -- taking charge of the Land Bill, a land law in Ireland that was meant to improve tenant-landlord relations.9 Due to his political life, Fortescue did well for himself, owning large estates in Louth and Armagh and gaining the title of 2nd Baron of Clermont in 1887 after the death of his brother.10 His overall influence in society was largely due to his wife, Countess Frances of Waldegrave whom he married in 1863 -- becoming her fourth husband.11 In his final years, Fortescue is said to have been extremely unhappy due to his time in politics and when he died on 30 January 1898 in Marseille from influenza, he was said to have died nothing short of bitter and resentful.12
command the Vancouver Island volunteer rifle corps.He wrote this letter to Chichester Fortescue requesting good quality firearms comparable to those
supplied to the volunteers of the United Kingdom.
clever independent English gentlemanwhose goal was the
advancementof both Vancouver Island and British Columbia.2
deputed to Vienna to carry out an inquiry into certain transactions connected with supplies to the Army in the Crimea.2 Returning to the Paymaster-General's Department in 1859, he was appointed Assistant Paymaster-General.3 While serving in this position, Foster co-authored a report on the financial condition of the Turkish Empire, was involved with the establishment of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, and spent three years as Financial Commissioner to India.4 In 1867 he was made a Companion of the Royal Order of the Bath and appointed Principal Financial Officer to the Treasury, Treasury Auditor, and Commissioner of Public Accounts.5 After retiring from the Treasury in 1871, Foster became a Governor of the Imperial Ottoman Bank.6 He died on 15 June 1891 at the age of seventy-six.7
Billy
BillyFoster was a central figure in the conflict that came to be known as
McGowan's War.On 24 December 1858, at the height of the Fraser Canyon gold rush, Foster, who co-owned a
saloonat Yale, shot and killed a British gold miner named Bernard Rice.1 Rice, who friends said
hapent to be little in lickuire at the time,had refused to pay for his drinks and was forced by Foster to leave.2 McGowan later wrote that Rice
soon returned with a pistol in his hand, and pointed it at Foster, who immediately drew on him, and shot and unfortunately killed him.Attempts to apprehend Foster, who
went to Hill's Bar and hid for a few days, and then went down the river in a canoe, and finally made his escape out of the country,sparked a confrontation between rival groups in the area that was swiftly resolved by the appearance of Col. Moody and the Royal Engineers.3 On 12 March 1859, Victoria's British Colonist newspaper confirmed that Foster had arrived safely in Nevada.4
to save the First Nations from not only Satan, but from the violent and alcoholic excesses of the prospectors.5 The Oblates entrusted Fouquet with the duty to establish
a new front in the war against democracy, liberalism and modernity.6 Today, the Oblate's mission is described as
Evangelizing the Poor.7
created for the purpose of separating Aboriginal children from their families, in order to minimize and weaken family ties and cultural linkages, and to indoctrinate children into a new culture—the culture of the legally dominant Euro-Christian Canadian society.13 You can read more about Canada's Indian Residential School System in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report.14
the man who ate his boots.
so irritable and…so utterly careless.4 On 14 September 1866, Franks was given the knowledge that his position would be terminated on account of his known disputes and street fights with Public Officers as well as his oft-used
insulting languageand occasional
breaking windin front of other officials.5 His official notice of termination from the Office of the Treasury was received on 22 November 1866. This notice was supposed to have been based on the unification of the colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island as well as the colonies' poor financial standing for which he was held responsible.6
plunderedby the local Indigenous people.
New Colony of British Columbia.1 According to Aldrich, the reverend was
formerly of Beaufrie Hall near Wisbeachand the brother of Townley, who
represented the county of Cambridge in several parliaments.2
a man named Gallagher struck pay dirt, three cents to the pan, about four miles above Boston Bar.He calls the new diggings Gallagher's Flat.2
the gold hunters at Frazer's River and elsewhere on the main land.4
through the kindness of her Majesty's Government.6 Gammage established a mission at Douglas on Harrison Lake in the interior, raising enough funds to build a church by 1862. The mission was not successful, however, as most inhabitants of the small community were single men who were not interested in religion. When the completion of the Cariboo Road through the Fraser Canyon provided an alternative transportation route, the mission was closed.7 Gammage and his wife returned to England in 1863.8 He held a number of positions in the Church between 1864 and 1890.9 He was seventy-one years old when he died in 1893.10
was perhaps the first sustained Protestant schooling initiative for Indigenous peoplesin Victoria, and became involved with the “Indian Improvement Committee,” which was committed to the
better[ing] the conditions on the Lekwungen reserve across the harbour from Fort Victoria.4 Garrett, and his close associate on the committee, William Duncan, occasionally came in conflict with the white settlers of Victoria who—with pessimistic views regarding the future of Indigenous populations—saw the “philanthropic” efforts of the missionaries as “a waste of time and effort.”5 During Victoria's devastating smallpox epidemic in 1862, Garrett and a “pox-marked” assistant established a hospital for Indigenous people who contracted the disease; however, Garrett remarked that he and his assistant
were little more than grave diggers, placing beneath the sod an average of four a day.6
twilight world.6 George III died at Windsor Castle on January 29, 1820.7
bad temper when his authority was challengedand
uneducated, obstinate, and impetuous.4 Gilliam's short temper was further revealed in the year after when he acted as the captain leading immigrants traveling from the Missouri River to Oregon. After two months of dissatisfaction in his position, he resigned as captain in
an angry, bitter speech.5
ruse,seeing violence as the main solution.7
joined as an amateur, but was afterwards of much service in every emergency.2 In 1860, Gooch, Prevost, and a crew from the Satellite marched into BC's interior to
overawe certain miners who were causing anxiety to the Government.3
cleanliness.8
priest-in-chargeof his former parish in Nanaimo.11 For another 17 years, Good worked in Nanaimo until he was forced from his position in 1899 due to the development of parish life and Good's inability to comply with the new style and subside with his traditional view of conducting parish life.12 In his entire missionary career, Good spent nearly 40 years in the service of the Anglican church in British Columbia until his death in 1916.13
the Governor forgets to add to Mr. Good's other qualifications that he is his Son in Law.3
continual attacks of ague.In the above minutes, Dr. Goodfellow advises that Richard leave Vancouver Island immediately.
McNeil's Harbour.Both Cormorant Rock and Cormorant Island (now the location of the town Alert Bay) are named after HMS Cormorant.3
directions,and viewed by part-time historian Robert Martin for his Report on Vancouvers Island and Hudson Bay Territories.5
Treasurer of Vancouver Island…committed for trial upon a charge of embezzlement of the public funds….
faithless and unprincipled.3 Gosset returned to England on sick leave in 1862 and resigned from the Royal Engineers in 1863.4
an unfortunate man who has been an absolute plague to me since he came to the Island,while Helmcken remembered him as
a splendid fellow and every inch an officer and a gentleman.6 A pioneer of the Island's lumber industry, Grant also imported the game of cricket and Scotch broom,
so the hills around him might benefit from it and also take on the hue of his native Scotland7
provided government felt disposed to take the [colony's] affairs seriously in hand.12 He authored both Description of Vancouver Island, by its first colonist and Remarks on Vancouver Island, principally concerning townsites and native population, which were published by the Royal Geographic Society.13 He died at age 39 as brigade-major of Lucknow, India.14
unreliable and untrustworthy.6 Grant's goal was never to be realized, not only due to the HBC's overall refusal, but also because the Mormons had successfully developed their own community store without the need for trade with larger Forts, by 1853 Grant was given a full retirement.7 It is said that his retirement was due to his ill health, although some scholars argue that it was more likely due to his failed trading endeavours.8
very clever and obligingin his position as Chief Trader at Fort Hall.10
discovered a vein of Goldbearing Quartzin Haida Gwaii and wished to apply for land grants.
4 With the return of Conservative government in 1874, Buckingham served as governor of Madras from 1875-1880, organizing relief for a large famine in 1876-78.5inconvenientif Canadian politicians gradually gained a social rank equivalent to that of English statesmen.
true and absolute lords and proprietorsof Vancouver Island for a period of 10 years, charged with developing and colonizing the island for the British government. John S. Galbraith, The Hudson's Bay Company as an imperial factor, 1821-1869 (New York: Octagon Books, 1977, c1957), 289.
altogether disqualified, as well from inaptitude for business as from temper.3 When the regiment withdrew in June 1848, Griffiths returned to Britain and penned a hearty denial of the charges of Alexander Isbister and others against Hudson's Bay Company activities in the colony.4
sincerely solicitous of administering the law as he found it.9 Hagarty was highly remembered and praised until, and even after, his death on 27 April 1900.
overwhelming importance to the prisoner's life and liberty.10 Overall, Hagarty is remembered and, what his knighthood demonstrates, is his incredible work on the bench.11
official Seal for the Supreme Court of Vancouver's Islandas well as a
Seal for the Customs Department of the Island.When Halfhide entered into his father's business, it became known as Halfhide & Son. Halfhide married a woman named Mary, who was the daughter of a printer. Halfhide died 10 June 1860.2
a white settlerin Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Grey, Third Earl Henry George 16 December 1851, CO 305:3, no. 1865, 75, Hall was involved in a legal conflict with Tenasman, chief of the Soke Tribe, who claimed Hall had cheated him in an unfair rifle sale. Douglas ultimately ruled on the side of Hall, but the case made him reconsider the admittance of Indigenous testimony in certain legal situations.
late in 1860to April 1864.1
out of one little crevice,…he, Abbott, took 60 ounces out of it.
a remarkable appetite for politics.Hamilton was the lord lieutenant of Ireland from 1834 to 1835; in 1841 he declined the position of governor general of India, and instead became first lord of the Admiralty.1
aristocratic amateurismin favour of
professional bureaucratism.3 Thus, on his retirement in 1873, Hammond became the first Foreign Office official to be raised to peerage, named Baron Hammond of Kirkella.4
Kiss me, Hardy.3
as part of a plot to help the South in its growing political disagreement with the North.2 However, these accusations were mere speculation on Haller's part, and never amounted to any real actions being taken against Harney or Pickett.
the reasonsfor which Harney justified the occupation of the island
do not exist; the tale which has been imposed upon [Harney] is a fabrication.5 Douglas also stated that
the occupation of the Island is owing solely to orders issued by General Harney.6 Eventually Winfield Scott was ordered to take over for Harney,7 and later on Harney was temporarily removed from command of U.S. forces in Oregon Territory.8
historic surveyof Juan de Fuca Strait. Gonzalo López de Haro's name is attached to several places and features in British Columbia, including Gonzales Bay, Gonzales Hill, Gonzales Point, and López Island.2
Her Majesty'scommissioner for the North American Boundary Commission from 1858 to October 1863. A captain at the time of his appointment, Hawkins was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 12 August 1858.3 In the autumn of 1863, he was appointed commander of the Royal Engineers at Woolwich, remaining there until May 1867. He was made colonel in 1868, commanding the Royal Engineers in Barbados from May 1867 to May 1870 and in Ireland from 1871 to 1874. He returned home in 1874; he was promoted lieutenant-general in 1877 and general in 1881, although no longer in active service.4
small bodies of Troops in positions where it is impossible to support them if attacked.He recommended naval support for the contingent.3
insubordination and a refusal to obey orders,and sentenced to
ten days imprisonment in the common jail.2 Following this humiliation, he left the HBC but, as the result of being
the only thoroughly qualified individual in the community,soon found himself appointed to the newly created position of
Inspector of Steamboatsin the colonial government.3 In late summer 1859, Heseltine spent a Thursday evening playing billiards with his friend and roommate Henry Wootton, who had also quit the HBC following the arduous trip on board Labouchere. The pair returned home around midnight, but Heseltine went out again on his own. When Wootton woke in the morning, he found Heseltine in bed with his leg badly broken below the knee.4 Taken to Victoria's Royal Hospital, Heseltine's health slowly deteriorated over the next nine days, and he died on 5 September 1859, at forty-three years of age.5 Unable, or unwilling, to explain how he had gotten injured, he carried that secret with him to his grave.6 Following his demise, Heseltine's father, Samuel R. Heseltine, made several attempts to collect the proceeds of his estate but it is not clear whether he was able to do so.7 Vancouver Island governor James Douglas was opposed to paying the salary owing Heseltine, arguing that
he never completed any one single Act of the important duty it was intended he should perform,and describing him as
a person of dissolute and erratic habits…much given to inebriety.8 Douglas's accusations might be supported by Victoria's British Colonist newspaper, which hinted that
poor Heseltinestruggled with both the law, and the bottle.9
Notice. My wife, Orinda Hicks, having left me this day, without cause, I will not be accountable for any debts she may incur in her own or my name. Richard Hicks.British Columbia, March 16, 1859.2
Hicks, in common with Travalie, (the Commissioner at Thompson river) has been guilty of many acts of wholesale corruption since his appointment by Governor Douglas…. Can there be a more striking illustration of the unfitness of Governor Douglas for the high and responsible position he at present holds, than the appointment of two such men as Hicks and Travalie?.3
ignorant,and voicing his anger that they were trusted with such an important question. Hill even suggested that Britain threaten to make Newfoundland a Canadian dependency, in order to produce a pro-confederate vote.6 His suggestions were rejected. Hill soon settled into his role, and was by all accounts an extremely able Governor. Newfoundland would not enter confederation under Hill's governorship.7
the capabilities, resources, and advantages, of British Columbia) and selected the winning entry.2 Later, colonial officials contacted the author and requested a shortened version that could be reproduced as promotional pamphlets. The new version offended Holbrook, who took exception to heavy edits in sections that criticized British Columbia. In protest, Holbrook and Cormack compared excerpts of the original and pamphlet versions in the local newspaper. Officials dismissed their concerns, however.
intemperate habits-- creating a hesitance in the people of Honduras to have him as their secretary.6 Soon thereafter, Holmes was given a second chance and offered an appointment as Registrar of the Supreme Court, although in his acceptance he had to cede his ongoing position with the R.A.7 Holmes' date of death is unknown and thus it is unclear how long he spent in his position as Registrar or when he may have retired.
instruct the officers in command to prevent the landing of further armed parties of the United States soldiers. The same despatch notes that the American force was more powerful than anticipated, and Hornby could not proceed with his orders without risking strong resistance.2
had a most salutary effect.3 Members of the Wsáneć were brought to trial, and two were convicted and sentenced to thirty days imprisonment with hard labour. The rest were let go as no offences could be proved against them.4
natural born politician.3
abusive languageand denouncements in April 1870.6
political wilderness.7 Five years later, Humphreys regained a seat in December 1887 for the Legislative Assembly for Comox but due to his failing health he left BC for San Francisco seeking medical attention. His condition did not improve and upon his arrival back to BC he died on 26 August 1890.8
weeding out the nest of thieves and murderers that infested this Province in the early days;as well as, that he would
ever retain a firm hold in the affection and memory of the public of British Columbia.9
a child who is supposed to have been recently stolen from her parents at Islington.1 According to the handbill, which Douglas published in the Government Gazette of British Columbia, the child in question was Elizabeth Hunter. She was kidnapped on 30 March 1862
by a respectably dressed man.2 By 9 May 1863, she was still missing, and the British government offered several incentives for any information regarding her disappearance. This included a reward of £50
for the discovery and conviction of the person or persons who decoyed away the said Elizabeth Hunter,the grant of pardon to any accomplice providing evidence leading to the conviction of the offender, and an additional £50 for anyone with information leading to the recovery of Hunter and the conviction of the offender.3 She is described as having a pale complexion, light hair and eyes, a large scar on one of her cheeks, and had been wearing a pair of gold earrings.4
a more scandalous instance of general police incapacity has rarely come under our notice.6
salmon and deer to the settlersliving on xwənen'əč (Salt Spring Island).3
all-White jury;however, Ich-yst-a-tis's guilt has been challenged by historians who have re-examined the evidence presented and withheld during the trial.5
all of the murders were blamed on [Indigenous] people,fuelling indiscriminate suspicions toward, and contempt for, Indigenous peoples.6 For instance, the Daily British Colonist asserted that
it is well known that the perpetrators of all the robberies and murders, except Dick, are at large on the Island,and that (threats of) violence ought to be used against the
Indian campsas to make examples
of these uncivilized wretches [who threaten] a general massacre of the settlers.7
insolvent debtorin a series of London newspapers from 1837 until 1861.3 Jadis probably procured a clerkship in the War Office for his son, who,
pressed and harassed to death for moneyin 1861, forged a bill to obtain cash that was not met (paid when it matured). For this crime he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to four years prison.4
Case,attached to an 1847 despatch, that detailed the complex legal arguments surrounding the HBC's position.2
Hydah Chief.
honourably and faithfully in many parts of the globe for more than twenty-five years,Johns died prematurely, at the age of forty-seven,
by contracting an epidemic fever which prevailed in the Mediterranean.His active duty on the HMS Ganges
ended in his dissolutionon November 6, 1851.
quite unemployed and unprovided for,might be able to find
some situation such as his abilities and education will enable him to fill with credit to himself and the Service.In consideration of her second request, Pearson suggests to Lytton that
possibly an appointment in Vancouver's Island [wouldn't] be a very common object of ambition.1
the oldest and principal settlerin the Lillooet Lake area when Douglas visited the area in 1860.
a Blue Book for Parliamenton the subject of British Columbia.
fifty ounces of nuggets from the new lower zone.1 Soon the claim was producing
pounds of gold, not ounces.2
flour sack of Gold 14 inches high.Unlike the tales of Abbott's debauchery, little is known about Jourdan.
scheme of colonization, he was promoted to lieutenant on 15 September 1828. After 1831, he served on various ships across the world, some time being spent in South America and later China. During this time, Kellett was promoted to commander in 1841 and made CB — he eventually returned to England in the summer of 1843. By February 1845, he was appointed to command the Herald, in which he surveyed Vancouver Island and West Coast waters.1
I hope these demands—proper as they may be—will not impair the popularity of a new Governor: but I think the VanCouver [Island] people will lament in this respect, certain charges which Governor Douglas managed to get defrayed out of the pocket of B. Columbia.9 Neither the Assembly nor the Colonial Office would provide funding for the house and Kennedy was forced to live in temporary residence out of pocket until 1865 when a government house was finally approved.10
Much time has unfortunately been lost in taking proper steps to assert our authority. But not by me.11 After receiving reports of the massacre, Kennedy waited two days for the regular mail boat on 13 April 1864 to send word to Douglas.12 He neglected to dispatch one of the gunboats available to carry the message despite the fact that, as Permanent Undersecretary Frederic Rogers noted,
at the period when this delay took place it was known in Victoria that a road party was then travelling on a course which…would probably bring them into contact with the Indians who were authors of the massacre.13 He also observed the strained relationship between the two governors, stating,
I am afraid it is not likely to cause a pleasant feeling, or improve an unpleasant one between [Governor Kennedy] & Mr. Seymour.14
very lamentable positionand aimed to end this practice. He also desired to allow First Nations' testimony under oath, and the employment of qualified Indian agents. Unfortunately for Kennedy, all of his proposals were blocked by the Assembly.17
commission of the Peace,in 1848.2
the mother of Mr. Kennedy's childrenwas stabbed during the conflict, but, as Kennedy writes a letter to his wife and daughter in 1854 (and has no record of remarrying), it appears she survived and was rescued by the crew of the Susan Sturges, with the rest of the victims.5
Indian Insurrection,historians have suggested grievances on the part of the Tsilhqot'in- such as verbal threats of smallpox and the forced prostitution of Tsilhqot'in women for food - as having provoked violent retribution.4
almost impossible to overrateand credited him for the mission's success, in which five of the twenty-five accused were captured.5 The accused were sentenced to death in October 1864.6
this unfortunate gentleman has been out of his mind and is wholly unfit for public employment.2
he had killed the white men at Bute Inlet, and was resolved to kill all the white men he could find.6
sacredness of the pipe of peace.16 Instead the Tsilhqot'in men were forced into a secured building, guarded by the Chief Constable and later placed on the steamer Enterprise and taken to Quesnelmouth.17 Due to these circumstances, Judge Begbie believed that Klatsassin had been manipulated into meeting Mr. Cox and was arrested upon unfair grounds, and described Mr. Cox as
having two tongues.18 Begbie believed that the manipulation may have stemmed from Chief Alexis who acted as the interpreter for Mr. Cox and was the chief of a neighbouring tribe. Begbie also believed that Alexis had everything to gain from the arrest of Klatsassin and his followers. Judge Begbie interviewed Klatsassin after his arrival in Quesnelmouth, and asked Klatsassin if he would have entered Mr. Cox's camp knowing the outcome, Klatsassin replied with a
Definitive No.19
it seems horrible to hang five men at once, especially under the circumstances of the capitulation. Yet the blood of twenty-one whites calls for retribution.21 In Quesnelmouth, on Wednesday 26 October 1864, at seven in the morning, Klatsassin, Teloot, Tappitt, Kiddaki, Tansaki, and Tatchasla were executed for their participation in the Bute Inlet conflict.22
a naval presence after discovery of gold in the vicinity.1
Vancouver's Island Sawing Mill and Agricultural Company.
a throng of admirers, suitors, and lovers.She had so many male callers that the paternity of her next four children was highly suspect.2
the première political hostess in Londonby 1849, after having hosted hundreds of parties in the years prior to her marriage to Lord Palmerston.4 Her parties were often used for political purposes; Lord Palmerston's position was largely maintained by Lady Palmerston's social aptitude.5
immovable propertyto hold public office.4 Langford had previously complained to officials of the British Government that Cameron's appointment was a blatant example of nepotism on Douglas's part.5
await[ed] further report[s]but nothing came of Langford's accusations.9
man of business, a large property holder, and well acquainted with the resources of the Colony.6
not expecting to make their fortunes at once…are the most likely to succeed.He further stated that feeling
contented with little assists a man,and that when others heard the amount of money he'd saved by the end of the season by being frugal, they would
call him7lucky.
the terror of the coast.2 According to his report, upon arriving at the village on Kuper Island he had dispatched an interpreter to speak to the chief, but the chief had
returned an answer that he would not come, nor would he give up the murderers.3 Lamalcha oral history states a different story: a canoe had attempted to speak to the gunboat but was turned away.4 Lascelles claimed he hoisted the ship's flag, giving the Lamalcha tribe fifteen minutes to offer up the suspects, and upon their continued refusal he fired into the village.5 Lamalcha tribesmen retaliated by firing at the Forward, killing Charles F. Gliddon.6 Lascelles returned the following day to
[knock] the village down as much as possible.7 Although Lascelles passed off the
sharp skirmishas a success on the colonial side, the rare victory on the natives' part - especially by such a small group, who according to Lamalcha oral histories could not have numbered more than twenty-two men - was a severe blow to Lascelles' reputation and ego.8
the first official Police force in the history of BC.3
austereCarthusian Order of monks, remaining with them until 1846. He left the Carthusians and became a member of the Oblates in 1847, departing for North America in 1848.3 After serving briefly in Oregon, Lempfrit arrived in Victoria 6 June 1849.4
the good Padre was the cause of anxiety to the settlement, through a misunderstanding with the Indians, when the Tribe assembled round the Fort in a threatening manner.6 The cause of this conflict has not been determined, but the bishop of Vancouver Island, Modeste Demers, later wrote that Lempfrit had been involved in sexual relationships with First Nations women. Lempfrit did not address these accusations in any surviving correspondence, and abruptly left the colony in 1852.8 He served at the Mission of St. Ines in Monterey, California until 1 October 1853 when he returned to France.9 The Oblates expelled him from the order on 20 September 1853.10
Poor priest, go back to the solitude of the Charterhouse which you should never have left, or go and enclose yourself in some Trappist monastery where you will be able to do penance for the rest of your days and so make amends, insofar as is possible, for the sins you have unhappily committed.11
he seems never to give himself the trouble to reason out any matter completely, and he is singularly ignorant of the details of the questions he has to deal with…. Besides being deaf, [he] has a slipshod way of doing business.4 Perhaps because of his administrative failings, Granville authorized the undersecretaries to sign routine dispatches for him, which relieved the secretary of state of needless work.5 As foreign secretary during parts of the 1870s and 1880s, he struggled to carry out Gladstone's policies in the face of German and Russian demands.6
People above are nearly starving, and thousands are rushing back to save them[selves] from famine. The only parties that have anything to sell are Levi and Boas, and they are making a heap of money.4
[investigated] conditions in British colonies and [presented] immigration recommendationsin published reports to the British public.4 As the head clerk of the financial department in the Colonial Office, Lewes largely focused on assessing monetary affairs such as the Hudson Bay Company's accounts.5 Additionally, he also examined and oversaw government officials' allowances6 to government loans to the colony of British Columbia.7 Lewes' career in the Colonial Office extended to 1881.8 On 30 April 1890 Lewes passed away from unknown causes.9 He is buried alongside his wife Susannah, and their children in Dulwich, London, England.10
Ligeex (historically: Legaic), was a chiefly title of the Gispaxlo'ots Tsimshian and of the Eagle Clan.2
a powerful alliance with the HBC at Fort Simpson.3 Throughout their marriage, Sudaał maintained
a certain level of ‘traditional' power and authority…within the Tsimshian societyand simultaneously
wielded new sources of power and influence through her marriage to a [trader].4
the mother of Mr Kennedy's children.Sudaał and John Frederick Kennedy both died in 1858 in Victoria.6
man not wholly unknown in science,and that his
services have been freely placed at the command of the government upon occasions of considerable importance.2 Lindley's services to the British government include advising the Board of Ordnance on vegetable sources of carbon for gunpowder, the Hudson's Bay Company on botanical exploration, the Admiralty on reforesting Ascension Island, and Inland Revenue on coffee (and its adulterants).3 In 1863, Lindley also forwarded a report on Vancouver Island's economy to Newcastle.4 The forwarded letter is anonymous, but may have been sent by Henry Crease, presumably Lindley's closest contact in Vancouver Island.
the man who saved Kewgardens, in recognition of his campaigning to the prime minister on behalf of Kew in 1840.9 Robert Scott named “Mt. Lindley,” in Antarctica, after Doctor Lindley's son, John,10 and Doctor Lindley's great-grandson, Rory McEwen, was a notable botanical artist of the twentieth century.11
Civil Establishmentthere.1
the penal and reformatory institutions of Canada.5 During this time, Litchfield's fake credentials were again made known; however, due to his progressive approach to treatment for the
insaneand his popular lectures on such subjects this embarrassment went largely unnoticed.6 Litchfield also enjoyed various civic positions, including member of the Botanical Society of Kingston, until he became sick with heart disease in 1865. He remained head of Rockwood Asylum until his death at age 60 in 1868.7
most photographed male subjectof, Charles Dodgson, a.k.a. Lewis Caroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland.5
became very violentand attacked the Land Office employee when they tried to dissuade Lowenberg from building a fence around the lot.3 In 1862, Lot Z was given to the Crown and the sale was nullified. Lowenberg then called on the Hudson's Bay Company to reinstate his ownership, which prompted further debate between the company and government. The case even threatened to halt the Crown's reconveyance of Victoria. In 1865, Lowenberg agreed to take £1900 as reimbursement. The Crown and Hudson's Bay Company then argued over who should reimburse him.
by his Excellency's Command, C. Brew Chief Inspector of Police, New Westminster, 20 May 1865.Despite the bounty on his head, Luccavage continued his business and was spotted around Fort Rupert and Victoria numerous times. After several months of chasing leads on Luccavage's whereabouts across the west coast of the US authorities found Luccavage dead in Fort Rupert.1 According to colonial correspondence, an Indigenous man named Ahmete killed Luccavage.2 It is uncertain
whether Ahmete shot the Murderer Antoine offensively or defensively. [Authorities assumed] the latter.3
Chief of the Staff on the Persian Expedition,and promoted to the rank of Major General following his
command of a Division at the capture of Lucknowin the Indian Mutiny campaign. He was promoted to General in 1872, while he was President of the Army Purchase Commission. He died on 31 October 1898 at the age of eighty-eight.1
summit of the Rocky Mountains;Lyall collected botanical samples along the trek. His collection of plants across multiple elevations and ecosystems formed the basis of the first scientific study of British Columbian flora, which he published through the Linnaean Society.4 Lyall's collection was considered so important that he was listed as staff surgeon of HMS Fisgard while living near Kew. This honorary appointment allowed him to receive pay from the navy while arranging, reporting on, and distributing his collection.5
meriting the highest commendations.8
enter into direct communication with each other for the settlement of a question which very closely affects the good understanding between them.3 He implored the Americans to discontinue settlement and not resolve the issue using violence. The commander of the troops occupying San Juan changed frequently, and Lyons provided intelligence on the comings and goings of these officers.4 During the conflict, Lyons had authorization to deploy troops. In a December 1859 despatch to Newcastle, James Douglas assured the Secretary of State for the Colonies that
without instructions from your Grace or from Lord Lyons, no [British] troops are to be landed on the Island.5 San Juan Island remained in contention until 1872 when Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany brokered peace.
is moreover notoriously unfit for warlike purposes, and is hardly equal in speed or power to any ordinary Merchant ship.7
Canadafor the new country, and designated it a Dominion.17
Alexander Mackenzie, from Canada, by land, the twenty-second of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three.Alexander Mackenzie's route, however, was too difficult to be a feasible trade route.4
conscious of his own inadequacy.3 Manners then joined a trio leadership, but resigned in 1852. Manners then took the title of Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and in 1857 the title of Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire. In 1857, when his father died, Manners left his title of Marquess of Granby to become the Eighth Duke of Rutland.4 Rutland was used as a character reference for Douglas Campbell in 1858, who was applying for the position in the Cape Constabulary Force.5 Rutland was knighted in 1867. He died unwed on 4 March 1888, and was succeeded by his brother John James Manners.6
fine strapping fellowwho
would be thrown away at an Establishment, active service being his forte.After supervising improvements at Fort Vancouver, he was sent to build Fort Langley in 1827. In 1837, he was promoted to chief trader, and spent the latter part of his career after 1844 based at Fort Saint James on Stuart Lake. Although HBC Governor Pelly recommended him to Earl Grey for a commission as justice of the peace in the new colony of Vancouver Island in 1848, this part of his career was marred by complaints that he treated his subordinates roughly, which probably blocked his promotion to chief factor. After his retirement in 1857, he and his family lived on a farm in Champoeg, Oregon.
an intelligent English Miner.
hot tempercaused such a degree of offense that Palmerston excluded him from his new ministry in 1859, leading Maule to be in an “exile.” Nonetheless, Maule had been involved in different areas throughout his life. He was a strong supporter of the Free Church of Scotland upon its formation in 1843 and would later sit as the first non-Catholic governor of Charterhouse from 1850-1871. By 19 December 1860, Maule succeeded to the earldom of Dalhousie. And by 1861, Maule was a knight of the Scottish Order of the Thistle, knight grand cross of the Bath, keeper of the privy seal of Scotland, lord lieutenant of Forfarshire, and commissioner of the royal military asylum. However, upon his death on 6 July 1874, the barony of Panmure became extinct.2
especial commendationfor his services in a letter to Lytton about restoring order in Fort Yale, which the Colonial Office forwarded to the Admiralty with
an expression of thanks.9 Douglas further wrote that Mayne's surveys and reports from the Thompson, Fraser, and Harrison Rivers were done with
a degree of success and abilitythat were a credit to the
talents and enterprise of that useful and active officer.At the request of Mayne's father, also named Richard Mayne, copies of those reports were also sent to the Admiralty.10
seenof Commander Mayne they were
disposed to think he would write a useful book.11
Their largest earnings for one day amounted to five hundred and twenty five dollars, and no single days work yielded less than twenty five dollars. Both those persons have been mining in California, and are acquainted with its resources, yet they give it as their opinion that Cariboo, as agenerally paying country, surpasses the best days of California.
ringleadersof the murder.7 By 1850, McBean had given another list of 14 names of whom he believed to be guilty -- most of the people on this list were innocent of any crime. Throughout the events of the Whitman Massacre and the aftermath, McBean became inhospitable to anyone coming into the Fort, claiming to be overwhelmed by his fear.8 Although, historian Jean Barman simply describes McBean as a
bigoted Roman Catholic of narrow view and very common education.9 In the aftermath of the war, McBean made quite a few retalitory actions against the Cayuses.10
a native of Scotland, and lately of the Hudson's Bay Company's Service,and who has
recently settled on a beautiful spot, near the debouch of Hat River, and is rapidly bringing his land into cultivation.
not very tangible offencesand
that the Duke of Newcastle [had] already given much attention to this subject.6
Douglas Promise-- the promise Douglas made to the Stó:lō people that he would recognize their land rights. In 1864, McColl was asked by Douglas to survey the reserves in the Fraser Valley, mapping 14 Indigenous Reserves that covered 39 000 acres of land.6 It should be noted that this amount was still significantly less than what settlers could obtain in this time, but by the time of McColl's death a year later, this land was reduced by another 90%.7
Her Majesty's Stationery Office,was born at Whithorn, Wigtownshire, on 1 March 1789. McCulloch was a prominent and prolific economist and statistician; as well as lecturing in Edinburgh and London he published innumerable articles and books, including his most important work, A Dictionary, Practical, Theoretical, and Historical, of Commerce and Commercial Navigation (London: A. & R. Spottiswoode, 1832).1
Her Majesty's Stationery Office,which was responsible for
supplying the Public Offices at home and abroad with stationery.McCulloch held this position until his death on 11 November 1864.2
comfortably confined,the consequence of appearing as a shipwrecked sailor to gain access to Japan, a country closed to foreigners until 1853.4 Following his time in Japan, Mcdonald travelled much of Asia, Australia, and Europe before spending five years in Eastern Canada. After moving to the colony of British Columbia with his half-brother, Mcdonald established a packing business and road company, and, following the failure of both, he participated in several exploration expeditions and assisted his cousin, Christina, in a Kamloops-based trading company in 1875.1 He retired to a cabin near Fort Colvile in 1875, and his account of his time in Japan was published posthumously in 1923.6
The Cariboo Gold District was discovered by a fine athletic young man by the name of McDonnell, a native of the island of Cape Breton, of mixed French and Scotch descent, combining in his personal appearance and character, the courage, activity and remarkable powers of endurance, of both races. His health has suffered from three years constant exposure and privation, which induced him to repair with his well earned wealth to this Colony for medical assistance.
log-cabin courtroom…the principal battle of McGowan's War would be fought.2 McGowan pleaded guilty to the charge of assault and was given the maximum fine and ordered to keep the peace. Earlier in January, however, the battle between two rival factions for Hill's Bar escalated. McGowan convinced George Perrier, Justice of the Peace for Hill's Bar, to arrest their mutual enemy, and Perrier's
Brother Magistrate,P. B. Whannel for contempt of court and ordered the release of Whannel's prisoners, allies of their own.3 For McGowan's involvement in the crime of falsely arresting Whannel and releasing Crown prisoners, he pleaded not guilty and convinced Judge Matthew Begbie to hold a
preliminary hearing.McGowan produced evidence that he had been deputized by Perrier and acted on his orders. Begbie felt he had no choice but to dismiss the defendant.4
on the same steamer that brought him.5
yellow metal,and, after some conflict, the Una and her crew left the island to avoid bloodshed.
was a person of intemperate habits and that the ship had been lost entirely through his misconduct.1 Apparently, McIntosh was in a state of intoxication when the vessel ran ashore. He died in his attempt to land the wreck while inebriated; however, the mate and all the seamen were able to land in safety. The crew, as a result of the Captain's death, were required to travel to Victoria
under the direction of the natives; when they arrived, they were in a state of distress partly due to ship owner Robert Swanston's refusal to pay the wages owed to them for their time on board the William.2
active, faithful, and trusty servant.5 During Douglas's creation of the Fort Victoria Treaties, McKay assisted with translation.6 As an avid explorer, McKay provided Douglas with valuable maps, information, charts, and reports.7 In Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Labouchere, Henry 6 September 1856, CO 305:7, no. 10152, 94 McKay accompanies Douglas on a raid to capture an Indigenous prisoner.
Indian trader, hunter, and guide,often he was at Fort Vancouver in which he would join fur brigade expeditions.4 And, from 1826 to 1828, McKay took part in the Snake Country Brigades under Ogden. By 1832, it seems that McKay retired from the HBC, but even after his
retirementhe continued to work on and off for the company for many years after.5 In 1834, for example, McKay was encouraged by his step-father Dr. John McLoughlin to build Fort Boise as a challenge to the American Fort Hall.6
lamed him,his injury remained with him until his death.8 It is unclear what McKay did after this or when his specific date of death is, it has been said he died somewhere between November 1849 and April 1850 of unknown causes.9
much good to the colony in the shape of keeping it at a high standard of civilization;and Craigflower is known for being the most successful of the original four HBC farms.9
judiciously lateat Seven Oaks in June 1816, thus evading the subsequent battle that killed 22 HBC men. Despite his absence, McLoughlin was still arrested by Lord Selkirk and forced to defend himself in court, where he was declared not guilty in October 1818.3
chief traderin 1839.4
better acquainted with the Indian population than any other person.6
outstanding trader in her own right in the 1850s.She married Captain William H. McNeill at Fort Simpson in 1863 in a marriage that had
diplomatic significance.1
prestige and rankon the Nass River to gain large supplies of furs. In the 1850s there was an increase in Nishga'a trading which many accredited to Neshaki McNeill. She became a very wealthy trader and continued trading even after she and her family settled and moved to a 200 acre estate in Victoria.2
The reception would have lost half its formality had I landed from a common trading Steamer amid a crowd of miners,said Seymour in a despatch to Newcastle.7 Less than two weeks later, the Chilcotin War broke out.8 Meade personally brought the Forward back to New Westminster 15 April 1864, to transport Chartres Brew, the police magistrate, along with twenty-eight special constables, to Bute Inlet to track down the Tsilhqot'in who had massacred Alfred Waddington's party of road builders.9
as early as possibledespite the lack of a suitable replacement.10 In a despatch to Newcastle, Seymour pointed to the incident as proof of the
defenceless state of this colonybut also called Meade
someone so obliging and anxious to please in other respects.11 Meade took the remarks about the colony's security personally when they ended up in the Victoria papers, and Seymour apologized to him.12
Melodey and three other natives of Irelandcame to
this Colony in the year 1858to, ultimatelty, make a
very handsome incomeby mining “Poor Man's Ditch” and Van Winkle Flat.
saw no use for it.Rather he found his happiness and relaxation in poetry and writing -- including one of his known works: Lectures on Colonization.1
Mr. Miles had been seriously indisposed for some time. He was universally respected, and leaves a large circle of friends inconsolable at his loss.
offensive character, irritating tone, and disputatious styleof his communications with the local government.7 In 1859 he returned to Peru and died two years later under a British flag on a warship in Callao harbour.8
mutinous and piratical conduct.However, Mills did not prove the charges and was in turn charged with failure to provide enough food for the passengers.3 After this, the passengers refused to travel with Mills and he sold most of his cargo. He advertised his journey to those at the Port of Valdivia before being towed to Victoria by a steam ship.4
injunctionfor his failure to properly execute the charter.5 The Colinda was then sent back to London.6 Mills refused to hand over the money that he received from selling the ship's goods. Only after a
tedious process,authorities received the money from Mills.7
loose manner of the Company's Servantsand the promises they made to his passengers
created a tissue of grievanceswhich were
out of [his] power to control.This, he argued, was why his passengers rebelled against him. He was thrown into prison for four months and was interrogated privately and not allowed visitors. Mills claimed to have been in solitary confinement for two months.9 His ship was, according to Mills, seized in
the Queen's nameand
converted into a brothel for prostitutes and drunkards.10 A few months later Mills received a reply stating that nothing could be done for his case. He reiterated his issue, but the case was ignored.11
poor Mitchell had nearly lost his life,and
never got overthe loss of the Una and its cargo.
popular in [the] community with both young and oldand for having
always a kind word for everybody.5
by [his] direction made a plan of Port Mitchell and the channel leading to it.
the attempt to Colonize Vancouver, by a Company with exclusive rights of Trade, [to be] incompatible with the free & liberal reception of an Emigrant Community, [and] impl[ied] that difficulties, & embarassments must be the result, however, good the intention—a statement which was refuted by Pelly in this letter to Earl Grey.
a rebellious person [who] kept the men off their duty,and had he and McGregor imprisoned at the fort for six days.4
blind with ageand the younger Muquinna had already taken over leadership.
the stories that are written about our people are totally wrong. It was never ever told in our version, our way of telling the story.Williams expressed his discontent with how local, Indigenous efforts to tell Maquinna's story have been overshadowed by the “more popular” account of Mowachaht life as told by John Jewitt, an Englishman who spent 28 months captive under Maquinna until 1805.5
three or four hundred dollars on his person at the time, sold his claim and possessions for 91 dollars, and handed all of the money over to the authorities.3
feeble and bedriddenat the time of his death.9
distinguished honour of Knighthoodon 22 April 1873.8 Needham eventually traveled back to England where he died in 1895 at the age of 83.
to milk the cows.1 Helmcken referred to Nevin as a
good-natured, active manwho was
too fond of grog and women.2 According to this correspondence, Nevin was at Fort Victoria when Captain Kuper recruited him to help navigate around Haida Gwaii, as he had visited there twice before when he was aboard the Una. Kuper states, however, that Nevin was
of no service whateverand that as they approached
the straits leading to Port Mitchell [he] did not even recognize the headlands.
an Irishman with an inveterate and rabid hatred of England,2 Buchanan appointed him special agent of the United States to protect the rights of American citizens at the gold fields on the Fraser.3
Farewell Address,which was published in the Victoria Gazette on 16 November 1858.5 In 1869, he tried unsuccessfully to revive the San Francisco Herald, and in 1878 he wrote some short articles for the Argonaut.Nugent died in San Leandro, California, on 29 March 1880.6
after some yearsto Dr. George V. Calhoun.
copies of [his] letter and its enclosures have been sent to Rear Adm. Moresby…for his information and guidance.
Indian Reserve Commissioner;however, the reserves that he laid down in Metlakatla in 1882 were heavily and reasonably disputed by the Indigenous population. He served in this position for 18 years until his retirement at the age of 71 in 1898. In his “declining years,” O'Reilly spent his time in his garden, visiting friends, and attending church until his death from heart failure on 3 September 1905.5
destroythe beaver population before the area was handed over to the United States and lost to the HBC. He was wildly successful in this regard: his expiditions returned over 100 per cent profit.4
chief pirateleader of the three men and the
great pirate robber.The trial became a large controversy, as the men were provided with no legal council, and the trials were translated using chinook jargon, a language too simple to translate complex British legal terms. Ot-cha-wun claimed he never fired at the Forward; this claim was supported by eyewitnesses who testified in court. Nevertheless, the jury presented a guilty verdict, recommending mercy. The three men were sentenced to death, as a warning to other First Nations people to not rebel.3 One hundred and fifty citizens of Victoria signed a petition to commute the death sentence, due to the unjust way their trial had been conducted.4 The men were hung for the murder of Gliddon on 4 July in front of the Victoria police barracks.5
effective naval officereven amongst hardship.11 As a young man he was granted the opportunity to meet the Tsar of Russia, from whom he learned and observed various naval and military manoeuvres. However, it was also in these years that he suffered from a venereal disease which permanently damaged his eyesight and hindered elements of his “effective” career.12
Solitary rambles and adventures of a hunter in the prairies,in 1853.3
a respectable merchantwho Douglas met on a journey up the Fraser in 1861. Apparently, Palmer had mining success near Antler Creek, and he showed Douglas
nearly 50 pounds weight of gold.And, this despatch notes that both men were natives of Maine.
Lieutenant Palmer has been the Subaltern of the Detachment, but upon one or two occasions has conducted exploring trips though the Colony with great credit to himself, and has done good service in fixing points and distances in the Upper Country.2
an exceedingly clever young Officer, who, being on the spot & faute de mieux, might make a good successor to Colonel Moody, in the Office of Chief Commr. of Lands.6
a highly scientific member of the American Boundary Commission.
Life of Sir Robert Peel from his private papers.4 Made a privy councillor in 1907, Parker was one of the signatories of the Proclamation of King George V shortly before he died in 1910.5
Vancouver's Island Sawing Mill and Agricultural Company.
Mr. Patterson and brother arrived at New Westminster by the Steamer of the 14th instant, with Ten Thousand dollars worth of gold dust, the produce of five weeks work at Cariboo.
Inspector General of Militiain the War Office in 1861 and 1862.3 He died on 1 January 1871.4
most competent.3 Due to Pemberton's recommendation, at the age of 19, Pearse left for Vancouver Island in November 1851.
a Protestant clergy.4
Peers was elected to represent Vancouver County in the second regular session of the assembly established by the provisional government of Oregon.As representative, Peers prepared the Oregon petition of December 19, 1846 which was important because it
urged the United States Congress to confirm land titles, adopt measures for education, and establish navigational facilities on the Columbia River. Then in the summer of 1848, Peers was asked
to relocate Anderson's 1846 route to the Fraser.This he did by finding a route from Kamloops to the Coquihalla River. This new route was important because of American customs duties on goods landed at Fort Vancouver.2
would rejoin Anderson's track of 1846.This
new road…provided a viable all-British route from the interior…[and] was ready to use by both outbound and inbound brigades in the summer of 1850.3
Peers was commissioned a chief trader.In addition, for three months during the Indian Wars of 1855-1856, Peers was captain of the 1st Regiment of the Cowlitz Rangers. On June 1st, 1859, Peers officially retired from the HBC and moved to Colquitz Farm, near Victoria, on Vancouver Island. On his farm, he constructed a saw and grist mill and spent the remainder of his retirement farming his land until his death on March 27, 1864.4
he never was and never would have been a great political philosopher, or sage, or leader,he was
a staunch upholder of the natural and honourable welfare of our country, a patriotic promoter of its dignity and lustre, and a devoted servant of the commonwealth, from the sovereign on the throne to the poorest adventurer landing in a distant colony.1
In 1823, Pelly was elected elder brother of Trinity House, and, some years later, deputy master.In addition, John Pelly became a director of the Bank of England in 1840, and one year later, governor.2
did so much for the discovery of the north-west passage and of the coastline of North America.In addition, from his negotiations with Baron von Wrangel of the Russian American Company, John Pelly was able to lease the Russian owned Alaskan peninsula for the HBC's use in 1839.3
Chief Commissioner of Policeand
Justice of the Peaceby Governor Douglas in 1858 and quickly expanded and professionalized the police force in Victoria.2 He also served as a judge and was a member of British Columbia's Legislative Council from 1868 to 1871.3 Pemberton was personally well connected in the colonies: Joseph Despard Pemberton was his nephew, and Chartres Brew was his brother-in-law. After Pemberton's death in 1891 at the age of eighty-four, Victoria's Daily Colonist newspaper wrote
next to Governor Douglas, there is no man to whom the country is more indebted for starting on a law-abiding career than to the late honorable gentleman.4
the fairest page in American history.1 Penn himself boasted that,
when the purchase was agreed, great promises passed between us of kindness and good neighbourhood, and that the Indians and English must live in love, as long as the sun gave light.2 Although the original treaty document was destroyed by a fire during the American Civil War, a wampum belt, presented to Penn in commemoration of the treaty, is preserved by the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia.3
pacificas that of Penn.
expert in the French Treaty question in Newfoundland, he would visit Newfoundland multiple times in the 1880s.6 Pennell stayed in his position as Principal Clerk and continued to work for the Colonial Office until his death on 16 March 1895 in East Molesey, Surrey, England.7
eminent metallurgical Chemist.
Their largest earnings for one day amounted to five hundred and twenty five dollars, and no single days work yielded less than twenty five dollars. Both those persons have been mining in California, and are acquainted with its resources, yet they give it as their opinion that Cariboo, as agenerally paying country, surpasses the best days of California.
incursions of the northern Indians of British Columbiain 1859.1 Harney ordered Pickett to establish his company on Bellevue,San Juan Island, somewhere
near the harbour at the southeastern extremity.The steamer Massachusetts transported Pickett and his command, as well as their supplies, to the island. Pickett very quickly requested that the Massachusetts be sent back to San Juan as he felt uncomfortable with the level of the hostilities, as well as the presence of two British war steamers. In numerous correspondences, Pickett asserted that he did not recognize the authority of the Hudson's Bay Company as he had been sent by the United States government and followed their commands only. Although he knew that he could not prevent British forces from landing on the island, Pickett declined any notions of joint occupation of San Juan Island (one of the reasons he was later accused of being a Confederate conspirator), but still did believe in trying to preserve the harmony between the two governments.2
two white men near Fort Simpsonin 1862.3 He was also involved in an 1863 expedition to arrest certain
Lamalcha Indiansinvolved in the murder of William Brady.4
large quantity of pure alcohol and manufactured spirits.5 Due to his skill in navigating the uninhabited areas of the Vancouver Island coast, he also stopped a ship of whiskey sellers hiding near Hornby Island.6
relentless in his dutiesas well as excellent at
detaining and inspecting vessels, scrutinizing paperwork, interrogating traders, seizing contraband liquor and impounding ships.7
a respectable tradesman, who was barbarously murdered in his own house at Cayoosh.
to commemorate Mr Puget's exertions.3
for the King of Spain.4 They travelled up to Rosario Strait and Whidbey Island before returning to Nootka Sound.5 Mt. Manuel Quimper, near Victoria, and Quimper Penninsula, in Washington State, are named after Quimper.6
a pass in the Rocky Mountains, through which a Waggon Road might with ease be made.2
From the mutilated state of many of the bodies and the contents of the kettles, it is evident that our wretched countrymen had been driven to the last dread alternative as a means of sustaining life.8 The British public vehemently denied his assertions, most notably Charles Dickens who considered Indigenous testimony
loose and unreliable.Their arguments rested on the perceived notion of British racial superiority and apparent ability to resist the
last resource.9 Rae's accounting of events was proved true by further expeditions including those of Leopold McClintock.10
the best and ablest snow-shoe walker not only in the Hudson Bay Territory but also of the age.12
untiring zeal and energy in every aspect of the job[.]6
well-known land speculator,undertook to pre-empt 1,200 acres of land near Fort Langley and subdivide it into town lots.
So far as we can learn,the Gazette continued,
this action of Ray's is done without the sanction of the Government, and any title derived from him is consequently of no account.
By the bye, I notice that a certain James H. Ray is going it rather largely at Fort Hope, in land speculations. I wish him as much success as he experienced in his quartz speculations in California.
importing sugar from Honolulu in exchange for fish, timber and coal,which made him one of the Island's
leading businessmen.4 Rhodes was married to Sophia Harriet Cape, and together they had a son and a daughter. Both his wife and children outlived him, and his son, who was raised in the family business, took it over upon Rhodes's death.5
became intoxicated, and [refused] to pay for two glasses of liquor.2 Oddly, no one stole any of Rice's possessions and his body was found with
a Bag Containing Gold Dust value 69 Dollars and 50 Cents--In Silver Coin One Dollar & 85 Cents and aalong with an additionalColt Revolver,
400 Dollars,that were given to the authorities.3 Rice's mother, Elizabeth, attempted to claim her son's possessions but had trouble contacting Justice of the Peace Peter Brunton Whannell who was in charge of his case.4 Authorities also had trouble apprehending Foster, who was found guilty of murder, as he had
crossed the border, putting himself beyond the reach of British Justice.5
a Bill for £20… a Bag Containing Gold Dust value 69 Dollars and 50 Cents--In Silver Coin One Dollar & 85 Cents and aalong with his other possessions that were sold for 91 dollars.3 Whannell told Elizabeth that he would retain the possessionsColt Revolver,
until he should hear from [her].4 Elizabeth wrote back to Whannell immediately but received no response.5 She tried instead to contact Whannell through Simpson Musgrave and Thomas Williams, two friends of Bernard's who had also sent her a letter regarding his death, so that she could acquire her son's property.6 There is no record in the despatch collection of a response from the Colonial Office to Elizabeth.
sick of all commissionsas they were
nothing but trickery and humbug.Richards work continued, in the same month, the Plumper was sent to the Fraser River, where Richards was tasked with examining and buoying the lower stretches of the river. By 23 December 1860, Richards transferred to the Plumper's replacement, the Hecate, he continued to survey the coast of Vancouver Island on board the new ship until 1864.2
a man of great ability and untiring activity,and that his
kindness to young members of his profession caused him to be universally beloved and respected.3
Department of the Comptroller of Transport Services.2 From at least 1860 until his retirement in 1870, he served as the Comptroller of Victualling for the Admiralty, under various titles.3
surgeon, explorer, natural historian, and ichthyologist.1 He was born in Dumfries, Scotland, on 5 November 1787, and began his colourful career at age 14 as an
[apprentice] to his uncle James Mundell, a surgeon in Dumfries.2 From 1801 to 1804, Richardson studied various subjects at the University of Edinburgh then became
a house surgeon at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmaryfor the following two years.3 He completed his medical degree in 1816 with a thesis on yellow fever.4 From 1828 to 1838, he was the chief medical officer in Chatham at the Melville Hospital.5 After his time in Chatham, Richardson
was assigned as senior physician to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar, near Portsmouth,where he lived for the remainder of his naval career.6
John Franklin's first expedition as surgeon and naturalist.7 By the time the team returned to England, roughly three years later, they had travelled
some 5,500 miles in North America, much of it through unexplored country.8 Richardson's second Arctic journey was in 1824 where he joined Franklin once again as second in command, in addition to his previous roles.9 His final trip to the Canadian Arctic began in 1848
to command a search party with Dr. John Rae to look forFranklin who had gone missing during an Arctic expedition that began in 1845.10 Their mission was unsuccessful and Franklin's death wasn't confirmed until Rae discovered
the first definite relicsof the expedition in 1853.11 Richardson was included in the high ranks of explorers in Canada due to his strong
physical and mental qualities,even towards the end of his life.12
his greatest scientific book, the Fauna Boreali-Americana… [that] was published in four volumes.13 The book earned him recognition
as one of the foremost biologists of his time.14 He also advised Charles Darwin
on matters of Arctic ecology and the taxonomy of Arctic animalswhile Darwin was writing the zoology of the voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle.15 Richardson
was knighted in 1846 and made a cb in 1850.16 Several animal and plant species have been named after him, as well as
a Canadian river, lake, bay, and mountain.17 He retired from active duty as a naval surgeon in 1855, and moved his family to a farmhouse in Grasmere.18 In 1857, Richardson
acted as an expert witness on the geography of the Arctic, its past governance, and its future in agriculture and industryduring discussions by a parliamentary committee on the future of the Hudson's Bay Company.19 He died on 5 June 1865 at Grasmere.20
to the printing business in Toronto.2 Riddel, who was determined to enter the medical field, began college and became a licensed doctor in 1857, after
some yearspracticing in Mexico.3 On 9 June 1858, Riddel wrote to the Under-Secretary of State in an attempt to convince the government to aid him in forming
a Settlement in Vancouver's Island.4 Unfortunately, the area was leased to the Hudson's Bay Company at the time and the Colonial Office could not
undertake to say on which terms land shall be offered in that islandand declined his request.5 Riddel held positions as the coroner for Toronto,
one of the founders of the… Toronto Medical Society,and a member of the first school board in Toronto who
was largely instrumental in having free schools established in Toronto.6 Riddel was described as
a man of sterling honesty, unswerving truthfulness, and unflinching courage.7 He died on 15 December 1883 in Toronto.8
great injusticecommitted against Ring, and Kennedy's defense of his choice in this despatch, Thomas Wood was promoted to the post instead.6 Ring also served as the first president of the Law Society of British Columbia from 1869 until 1874.7
a most respectable Tradesman at Falmouth,who contacted J. C. Baring regarding
a debt which he [had] against the Solicitor Generalof British Columbia, Sir Henry Pering Pellew Crease.1 Baring sent the letter to Frederic Rogers with the
request that [he] will have the Secretary of State for the Colonies…forward the same to Mr Crease and call upon him to cause repayment of the bill made to Mr Roberts.2 The Secretary of State, Edward Cardwell, did forward Roberts's letter to the acting Governor of British Columbia, Arthur Nonus Birch, with the request that he
will have the goodness to call Mr. Crease's attention to the matter.3
Builder, Decorator, Upholsterer, Undertaker, Appraiser, House & Estate Agent, Brick Maker &c.4 After the Patent Law Amendment Act of 1852 was passed, Roberts placed a patent request for
improvements in machinery for moulding bricks and tiles,documented in the Journal of the Society of Arts.5 The Patent Law Amendment Act streamlined the process for patent applications in the United Kingdom by requiring only
a description of the invention be filed with the applicationonce for the whole country.6
unconditional supportto volunteer forces, and intended militias to become a permanent branch of the military. This view stemmed in part from his pride as a descendant of Oliver Cromwell, who had begun the tradition of a
citizen armyin England.2 Because of this, the local authorities on Vancouver Island were able to raise a militia with relatively little difficulty.3
upper portions of the working classes,and legislation to protect producers and retail co-operative societies. This group became known as the “Goderichites”, after Robinson's title, Viscount Goderich.4
socialisticand nearly mutinied when Robinson proposed that Indian magistrates and judges should have jurisdiction over British subjects. However, native Indians expressed thanks and support for Robinson, and under Robinson's administration the Indian Association of Bengal held its first conference—a significant step toward a national congress in the country.6
step by stepapproach. Robinson opposed the Boer War, and advocated for
lenient treatmentof the Boers when the war ended.7
taking what he could get and waiting for more.9
multi-racial settlementthat had been established there, sometime around 1858/9, by a group of “free” African-Americans.1 Governor Douglas gave
pre-emptive rightsto the African-American colonists, allowing them acquire and cultivate land on Salt Spring and then later purchase the “provincial Crown lands” that they had “improved” at discounted rates.2
very devoted Sunday school teacher,who was reportedly planning to leave Salt Spring—to reunite with his wife—in the week before he was murdered in 1868 at his Vesuvius Bay cabin home.3 In 1869, Ich-yst-a-tis (also known as Tshuanahusset), a Hul'qumi'num-speaking Indigenous man, was arrested, convicted before an all-White jury, and then executed on July 24 for Robinson's murder.4 However, Ich-yst-a-tis's hand in the murder has been challenged by historians who have re-examined the evidence presented and withheld during the trial.5
all of the murders were blamed on [Indigenous] people,fuelling indiscriminate suspicions toward, and contempt for, Indigenous peoples.6
gold, silver, and other metallic mineralsin the Queen Charlotte Islands.1
bold and daring character of the natives.2
leave the coastby Kuper. On September 26, 1852, soon after Edenshaw was hired, while sailing with a small crew, Rooney's ship was seized, overpowered, and destroyed by the Masset First Nations.3
displayed a lamentable want of judgment, and a total disregard of those precautions which reason and humanity should have taught him were necessary for the safety of the lives and property under his care.4
rowdy — ignorant — hoodlumand who often abused her. She left and divorced him in 1870 through the courts of Washington Territory before divorce was truly legal. Subsequently, she changed her name back to her family name and informally changed the name of her son of whom she took sole custody.1
three women lunatics.In October 1872, she moved to the newly opened Provincial Lunatic Asylum, which was located on the Songhees Reserve.2
insubordination, theft, infractions on asylum rules, and visiting 'half-breeds.'3 Throughout the harassment and racialization she received, she continued to stand-up for herself and the women deemed ‘half-breeds.' She never lost her position and Sharpe was dismissed.
minimum of mechanical restraintson her women patients compared to what was used on male patients. She never used regular straight-jackets on her patients because they caused asphyxiation of the person wearing them. When she was asked about this practice, she replied:
if my medical superintendent was to order me to put one on my patients [...] I should deliberately and cooly disobey him.4
teenwhen she married Charles Ross, a Hudson's Bay fur trading clerk, in 1822. They were married at Lac La Pluie House in the area which is now Ontario in a country marriage.2
solemnizedby the Anglican Church in 1838. Ross had six boys and four girls, most of whom were born west of the Rockies, and all of whom lived to adulthood. She and her family moved to Victoria in the early 1840s where her husband lived only long enough to see the completion of Fort Victoria; he died in 1844.3
the role of Indigenous mothers socializing their children was circumscribed,as was the case for Ross when her husband sent their children to England for a “proper education.”6 Furthermore, she faced her second husband, Lucius Simon O'Brien's abuse. A so-called fortune hunter, whom she married in 1863, O'Brien hoped to receive wealth from her first husband's estate. When he received nothing from her, he published in the Daily Chronicle that she was lazy and a drunkard.7
an infant prodigy,skilled in arts and languages; although, he had a temper, and often misbehaved. The young prince was also interested in military tactics; Rupert served briefly with the prince of Orange's army,3 and, during the English Civil War, his uncle, King Charles I, made him commander of his Royalist cavalry,4 a position wherein Rupert gained a reputation as a fierce soldier.5
Christianity into the worldat the age of sixteen.2 She was engaged with the women's movement, writing articles
under the initials M. S. R., never using her full name,to defend, and stir up support for, the Married Women's Property Bill (brought forward in 1856) and her later emigration initiatives.3
being nothing more than a marriage broker.7
gutter childrenemigrate to Canada, where they could be employed on farms and assist with domestic work.8 By 1896, her initiative helped approximately 5,000 children emigrate to Canada, 3,623 of which were female.9 But, again, this initiative was subject to great controversy as contemporary critics accused Rye of
operating a profitable business behind a charitable façade.10
specially moderate and sensible.4 In 1885 he became the first permanent under-secretary to the newly created Scottish Office, and was raised to the peerage in 1891.5
a confirmed drunkard.3
end his misery.Today the “Sangster Plains” and Sangster Elementary School in Metchosin are named after him.5
officer upon whose discretion and moderation he can entirely rely.5 Scott's military responsibility in San Juan was the proposal of a joint military occupation that would be maintained with only 100 men from each respective government.6
the finest specimen of manhood my eyes had ever beheld,9 Scott was also responsible for a tragedy done unto the Cherokee tribe in Georgia. In 1838, Scott led a force of 7000 men to forcibly remove the peaceful Cherokee tribe from their land -- known as the “Trail of Tears.” The homes of the Cherokee were burnt down, possessions were stolen, they were forced to move by foot without food or protection from the cold weather, and by the end of the movement 4000 of the 15 000 Cherokee individuals died under Scott's supervision.10
Chatsina Tribe,along with John Winnet and Edenshaw, provided a statement to Commander Prevost of the HMS Virago on 18 June 1853 about the capture and destruction of the Susan Sturges.1
the first to cut open the deck by which an opening was made into [Rooney's] sleeping cabain,which Rooney was locked in while the plunder of the ship occured. In Edenshaw's statement, he said that Scowell was not on the ship at the start of the plunder but when he did arrive, Scowell found and stole four or five barrels of gunpowder and a toolbox.2
uproar.He took this opportunity to take Captain Rooney to shore in his canoe without anyone noticing.3
killed by the fall off a Tree on Frazers River.
unable to from its effects to get his living, as an Indian must, by his physical strength.1 This led to a party of inebriated Nisga'a boarding Nonpareil and stealing property from the master's store room.
drunkenness was no palliation of the offense.2 They were ordered to return the property; in response, the chiefs
expressed a strong desire to make amends for their unlawful act and at once agreed to return the property.2
an alleged attempt to fit out a Confederate Privateer at Vancouver's Island.2 James Douglas assured Seward that
every vigilancewould be used to
discover and frustrateany effort made to build ships designed to
prey on the commerce of the United States in the Pacific.3 In turn, Seward also reassured British officials that there was
no truthto rumours that military preparations were being made in California
with a view of menacingthe colonies on Vancouver Island and British Columbia.4 Seward's term also coincided with the San Juan Island Dispute which German international law experts resolved in arbitration as a part of the Alabama claims initiated by Seward.5
higher lawthat should govern the freedoms of mankind.8 He once commented to a friend that it was
strange that people will go mad for freedom of White men, and mad against the freedom of black men.9 During the debate over possession of Oregon Territory between England and the United States, Seward supported James Polk's resolve to settle the question but
stopped shortof endorsing Polk's militant Fifty-Four Forty or Fight! campaign rally cry.10
but it would take the country a generation to appreciate it.11
to deliver the property taken from the Schooner Nonpareil in October 1861.2 The agreement was made in response to
a robbery of goods…by the Nishka Indians, at Nass River.3 The conflict was reported to be fuelled by
Drunkennesshowever, the Nisga'a stated that
the master's account of the goods taken [was] much exaggerated.4
Copy of the Correspondence between the chairman of the Hudson's Bay Company and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, relative to the Colonization of Vancouver's Island.He was knighted in 1857, but only after he had distributed a printed memorandum of his official services.
severe contest, with the lawless American population in Oregon.
certain merchants at San Franciscoto
see what could be done in arresting the desertion of several crews belonging to the vessels of those merchants.3 Crewmen aboard several boats had deserted, or wished to, as all were anxious
to go to the [gold] diggings,and Shepherd used force to keep order, even aboard his ship.4 On 24 November 1858, Shepherd became a rear admiral.5
an unnamed white manon Pender Island five years earlier. He confessed his crime out of fear when the HMS Forward visited Penelakut in search of several other murderers.1
Shrapnel Shell.1 Hoping to benefit from his father's services to the State, Shrapnel wrote a letter to the Duke of Newcastle requesting financial aid for his family's relocation to Canada from Ireland, where it was more difficult to support a large family.2 Shrapnel's father had received a pension from the State as compensation for his inventions; unfortunately, the pension wasn't a very large sum and ended with his death in 1842.3 While Colonial Office officials commented
that the chance of finding any [employment]…is 'remote',Shrapnel and his family did return to Canada during the 1860s, where he was Barrack Master in Quebec.4
almost penniless.10
they [were] both Sons of General Shrapnel and claimants on the Nation, or [if] one of them [was] advancing pretensions to which he is not Entitled?13 Ultimately, the CO staff decided to
return answers devoid of encouragement to both applicants.14 While the identity of the second writer, who signed his name simply as
Henry Shrapnel,is unknown, the first writer can be confirmed as the real Henry Needham Scrope Shrapnel since the positions he describes match those in his family archives.15
the best thing to do will be to return answers devoid of encouragement to both applicants.3
by some Cowegin Indians,today the Cowichan or Quw'utsun peoples.
a victory mainly through suffering.3
Peninsuladistrict by Governor James Douglas.3 He represented the Esquimalt District in the House of Assembly of Vancouver Island from 1856 until his narrow defeat in the election of 11 January 1860.4 Skinner's daughter, Constance, married future British Columbia premier A. E. B. Davie in 1874.5 Thomas Skinner died on 1 June 1889.6
it would be worse than useless to give it any encouragement.1
safely trusted to take care of themselves.2 Murdoch ends the letter with a brief mention that Sleigh is the same man involved in a scheme for a military colony in New Brunswick in 1857.3
precious schemeis but one of Sleigh's many projects, and considers him to be reckless and unreliable.4
those persons are now in the greatest distress and should no assistance be afforded them before the Winter season their state must necessarily be most deplorable.5 Sleigh, meanwhile, fled to Spain where he was out of the jurisdiction of criminal courts.6
Colonelor
Captain,the highest rank he attained during his six-year career in the British Army was Lieutenant.10
he had been kicked and cuffed about and driven out […] because of his Religion.6
unwavering faiththat he dedicated his life to.8 His faith was said to have been so strong that, prior to his baptism in 1832, he was dying of consumption until his formal baptism when he was
suddenly healed.9
rum runner.3 Beginning in early 1864, suspicions of Smith arose; and the same year a trial for charges of bribery and corruption began. In a letter from Governor Kennedy, details and suspicions surrounding Horace Smith, his trial, and concerns of corruption within the police force as a whole are articulated, including the reception of bribes
on a large and systematic scale.As Kennedy notes, the
Acting Attorney General [had] advised that Mr Horace Smith, Superintendent of Police should be indicted for misdemeanour for having received numerous bribes to permit gambling in various public houses and for other immoral purposes.4 After two unsuccessful trials and an inability to come to a conclusive agreement on the part of the jury, Smith resigned from his position.5
bands of marauding northern Indians.2 Later that year, Henry R. Crosbie signed off on a notice, dated 1 August 1859, which certified Smith as a constable on San Juan.3
removed to a lunatic asylum with no immediate prospects of recoveryand remained in the asylum until his death several years later.1
the assassinsof Peter Brown, a murdered HBC employee.1
less than gradual vision for conversionin which he would often do tactless denunciations of the Indigenous People.5 In this regard, some scholars reasonably describe Spalding as
self-righteous and quick tempered.6
flee for their livesas the Cayuse Tribe may also target them.7 Thus, Spalding and his family relocated to Brownsville, Oregon Territory where he took up various jobs such as: teaching, farming, preaching at the local Presbyterian church, serving as school commissioner, and serving as postmaster and
Indian agent.8 In 1863, Spalding returned to Lapwai where he worked as the Indian Agent until 1866, and except for a small amount of travel in the early 1870s, Spalding ‘served' in Lapwai until his death of an unspecified sickness on 3 August 1874.9
as the Head Chief of the Nlaka'pamux in 1874.1 The Nlaka'pamux Nation
stretches from the general area of south of Spuzzum and below the 49th parallel in the south to shTLash and Snapa in the north and between Quilchena and Texas Creek.2 Spintlum was one of the Chiefs who met with miners who wanted
to negotiate their entry into the Nation for the exploitation of goldin July and August 1858.3 A treaty was agreed on and Spintlum
and other Chiefs escorted the miners back to Yale to report.4 While the treaty has not been found, nor any copy of it, there is an oral record from the Chief Benedict of Inkahtsaph in 1918 who claims that Governor James Douglas ratified the treaty with Spintlum in Yale.5 Douglas wrote about meeting with
the Chiefs of Thompson's Riverin this despatch, from 12 October 1858, while he was in Fort Hope.6 Historian Jim Hendrickson believes it's likely that Spintlum was one of the Chiefs Douglas met with.7
special knowledge of the Indian population.He became known for his ethnographic book entitled, The Nootka: Scenes and Studies of Savage Life (1868).
always act with such justice, humanity, and moderation,yet understood that
colonization on a large scale, by English colonists, practically means the displacing and extinction of the savage native population.5 Sproat believed that
Indigenous participation in, or even leadership of the ‘civilizing' process was the only way to reach the goal [of colonization].6 Ultimately, Sproat found justifiable the colonization of what is now called North America, under the assumption that
the natives did not, in any civilized sense, occupy the land.7 Arguably, Sproat's views of racial superiority inflected his understanding of Indigenous Peoples, who have occupied and maintained strong connections to their lands since time-immemorial, with long established means for cultivating, hunting, and fishing.
beliefs about ‘humanitarian civilizing' continued to exert the dominant influence on his decisions.8 Sproat believed that Indigenous peoples were an inferior group of people, stating that they
were decaying, and had been decaying, in their isolated statebefore settlers even arrived.9
continual attacks of ague.Based on Blanshard's descriptions of his own symptoms, Spurgin advised that the Governor leave Vancouver Island immediately.
them they need not go to the Ferry; that they would find nobody there, for he had killed Smith.3 Squinteye passed on the news of Timothy Smith's death to Victoria, but little was done in response.4 Lhatŝ'aŝʔin and his party went on to kill a total of 14 people.5 After the main attack of the Chilcotin War, Squinteye assisted the three surviving workers and later testified against Lhatŝ'aŝʔin in court, in 1864.6 Lhatŝ'aŝʔin and five other Tsilhqot'in chiefs were hanged for killing the road crew.7 They have since been exonerated, and the Canadian government has recognized that the Tsilhqot'in were protecting their lands from encroachment.8
ship owner and master, and is generally considered to be a respectable and perfectly trustworthy person.7 Stamp did not get the position because the conversation was delayed when he went to London.8
Land Grabber[s]who
have gone down, with the sole purpose of buying all the land in and about the town of Victoria, they can lay their hands on, merely for the purpose of holding & reselling, at an enormous advance.
Bored to the utmost power of extinction.3 His second son, Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley, became the governor general of Canada and donated the Stanley cup to the annual North American hockey championship.4
Snake, Palouse and other tribesin Washington Territory, 1858. Fifty-three Americans were killed, causing Steptoe's forces to retreat.1 According to Douglas, the success of the First Nations force
greatly increased the natural audacityof other tribes in the region, including those in British Columbia.2 The colonial administration worried that Steptoe's defeat could
sow suspicion and dislike between Indians and Americans even in English territory.3 In the wake of the conflict, the American government accused the Hudson's Bay Company of having sold bullets and weapons to “Spokan and Cour-de-Alene Indians;”4 the accusations were later deemed baseless and that
it would appear that the Indians were supplied with ammunition, not by the Company's Officers, but by the Americans themselves.5
for the establishment of Schools for the moral training & instruction of the Native Tribesto follow the model
of [the] industrial Boarding Schoolsthat had been set up in New Zealand.
rumours which led him to imagine that there may have been foul playabout the wreck of the William.5 Upon further investigation, the colonial staff discovered that Douglas's actions were inappropriate because he did not have the power to call a Court of Vice Admiralty.6
denied complianceby Sangster, the Collector of Customs, to bring the William Allen to the west coast of Vancouver Island.7 He wrote many letters complaining that Sangster treated him unfairly. However, Douglas and other colonial staff agreed that Sangster acted professionally in refusing Swanston's request.8
Swanston's friends are few in number and certainly do not represent the respectable part of this community nor their real wants and sentiments.9 Swanston was considered a rumour-monger and created tension among the officers and staff of the colony.10
an American citizen had been cruelly murdered by the natives near the town of Seattle.1 The murder took place 3 October 1856, and Swartwout was seeking assistance from Douglas towards arresting the murderers, however Douglas declined to interfere.2
plundering the inhabitants, and spreading alarm among the United States Settlements.3 The Massachusetts had been detached to compel their departure from the territory, however the alleged offenders refused; they beat off the boat's crew and opened fire on the ship. Douglas states that
after a desperate contest, with considerable loss of life on both sides, their camp was taken and burnt, their canoes destroyed, and the savages driven to the woods, when they agreed to surrender on condition of being left in possession of their arms, and safely landed on Vancouver's Island.4 The purpose of Swartwout's landing in Puget Sound was, therefore, to carry out the terms of the capitulation. Douglas objected; he considered it
contrary to the usage of civilized nations.5 Swartwout responded with disappointment and irritation, threatening to land his prisoners with or without permission. To this, Douglas gave Swartwout two options: transport them to Washington and hand them over to the civil authorities for trial, or convey them 100 miles North and discharge them there. Swartwout chose the latter, knowing that he had made the promise of landing them on Vancouver Island in exchange for their surrender.6
class for class the largest and most powerful sailing warships ever built.3
ran the Pacific Steam Navigation Company from Austin Friars Street, London.1 He later worked as a secretary for the Pacific Steam Navigation Company in Liverpool from 1850 to 1859.2 In 1858, Taggart offered the Colonial Office a steamship to transport British troops from Panama to Victoria. His offer was accepted but never executed.3
[Williams] had seduced, or attempted to seduce, his bride-to-be, and this was probably a lawful response to a gross insult, especially by someone from a different nation.2 The issue was brought to the attention of Governor James Douglas, who advised that Tathlasut be captured and tried for his crime. With the help of Vice Admiral Bruce, Douglas entered the Cowichan Valley and captured Tathlasut.3 He was tried and convicted for the attempted murder of Thomas Williams and hanged on the same day. Douglas stated,
no attempt was made, except a feeble effort, by some of his personal friends, to rescue the prisoner.4 Douglas regarded the trial as legitimate; however,
for reasons unknown, the natives did not regard the capture, trial and punishment with the same measure of acceptance as the authorities.5 He further remarked,
the Native who shot Williams, felt assured of escaping with impunity… Our demand for the surrender of the criminal… were answered by a rush to arms… a tumultuous assemblage of the Tribe in a warlike array.6 Douglas worried that the native tribes may attempt to respond to the trial with further violence, and requested that Bruce's forces stay in the region until September of 1856.7 However, there would be no further conflict. Douglas justified his military response to the incident by comparing it to recent Native uprisings in New Zealand and Africa.8 Douglas later argued he,
resort[ed] to prompt and decisive measures of punishments [to keep] the Native Tribes of this colony kept in a proper state of subordination.9
a post he held until his retirement in 1872.3 His publication of The Statesman in 1836, which he dedicated to James Stephen, newly appointed permanent under-secretary,
provides a portraitof the business and practice of Colonial Office.4 In 1869 he was knighted for his service.5
An Indian of some intelligence,and another previous employer regarding him as
a faithful and trustworthy guide.2 In 1864, Teloot, along with Klatsassin, Tappit, Kiddaki, Piere, Tansaki and Tatchasia went on the run from colonial authorities for their involvement in the deaths of the Waddington road crew at Bute Inlet. While suffering from starvation, the men surrendered to Mr. Cox at the Old Hudson Bay Fort on Chilko Lake.3 The Tsilhqot'in men were taken to Alexandria to be tried by the Chief Justice and Jury.4 Chief Justice Matthew Begbie charged Teloot with wounding Phillip Buckley with intent to murder and had Teloot executed at Quesnelmouth on 26 October 1864 at seven in the morning.5 On the scaffold Teloot was believed to urge the people of Alexandria to make peace between the Tsilhqot'ins and the whites, and to cease fighting with their native neighbours.6
equitable laws, security of property and person, and the right for people to have
something to say in the management of their community.He was also in favour of the abolition of slavery. However, he was generally opposed to the democratic government like that being practised in the United States. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, s.v. Temple, Henry John, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/27112 (accessed June 2, 2009).
the Recorderin this correspondence. A Recorder is a judge that may sit in for both the Crown and County courts.1 This post is part-time, and is often the first step on the judicial ladder to appointment to the circuit bench.2 Thorn was the Recorder of Rupert's Land until 1854, when he was removed from the position, at the request of the Metis population, in favour of a bilingual judge.3
authentic time keeperto be installed in the Clock Tower.3 He died on October 26, 1880, in Aylesbury.4
most celebrated Indian Chief in British North Americaand a Secwepemc mother and grew up in Fort Kamloops with her family.1
Mrs. Sophia Tod, widow of the late John Tod, died yesterday.3
an admirable opportunity for self improvement, studying medicine, surgery, botany, biology, geography, and languages.2
Clerk of the House of Vancouver Islandfrom 1863 to 1866.1 He spent nearly six years in the British Army and, although often referred to as
Captain Torrens,was only a lieutenant when he sold his commission in 1851.2 He may have served as a Constable in Australia's Gold Escort Militia before travelling to British Columbia in 1859, where he organized
an Expedition to prospect the N.W. Coast of British Columbia and the Queen Charlotte Islands.3 His report on the trip was well received by the colonial government, and an excerpt from it, forwarded by Governor Douglas, was printed by the Royal Geographical Society of London in 1860.4 Torrens lost his position when the colonies of British Columbia and Vancouver Island were united in 1866. There was no place for him in the merged colony's administration so he was given free passage back to England.5 Unable to find employment with the Colonial Office, he became Chief Constable of Salford in 1869.6 In 1880, following allegations that he accepted bribes from police officers in return for promotion, and from criminals to
condone offences,he resigned his post, citing health complications stemming from a broken wrist that he suffered while on duty in November 1879.7 He was given six months pay as severance.8 In November 1881 it was reported that he had been appointed
chief commissioner of police on the Greek frontier of Turkey under Baker Pasha.9 Torrens died on 25 April 1887, at the age of 60.10
better postal communicationamong the colonies is recognized by Newcastle, they regret that they must answer Townson by letting him know that Newcastle was not
at liberty to apply for a vote for this purpose.1
a consul for British Columbia, to reside at Victoria for the North German Confederation.2 In 1872, he established the BC Benevolent Society with Robert Edwin Jackson, a lawyer,
to aid the community's poor.3
the land, much of which is either rich pasture, or available for cultivation and greatly desired for immediate settlement, remains in an unproductive condition, is of no real value to the Indians and utterly unprofitable to the public interests- I am therefore of the opinion that these reserves should be in almost every case be very materially reduced.9 With the help of Governor Frederick Seymour, Trutch's goal of re-allocating land promised to Indigenous communities for reserves to white settlers without any form of compensation was achieved. As Fisher notes
Native objections were ignored and Trutch deliberately falsified the record of Douglas's dealings in an effort to justify the change in policy.10 Due to his legacy of dismissing Indigenous rights and title, Trutch has become one of British Columbia's most controversial historical figures.
have long experience in Europe and the U.S.3 Throughout his time in Victoria, Vereydhen erected many buildings and worked with other architects and clients to establish
the erection of Brick or Frame Buildings of any kind or style [sic].4 Most notably, Vereydhen was the supervising architect on the creation of the first wing and central entrance of St. Ann's convent,
a religious congregation consecrated for the teaching of the young.5 Vereydhen also re-built the Driard House Hotel, a colonial hotel described as
one of the swell places of that day.6 Amongst his other projects, he built a public theatre,7 several private residences, the Hotel De France, and the Metropolitan Hotel.8 In a despatch from 18 March 1869, Governor Seymour asked Earl Granville to obtain
from a person named Verheyden…his consent to the Marriage of his daughter Paulineto Gustave Bruart.9 In a follow-up letter, Vereydhen noted that he had
no knowledge of this engagement,and promised to
write to [his] daughter by the next mail.10 Currently, there is no record of his reply to the minister's request. On 10 January 1872, Vereydhen passed away at
the French Hospitalof unknown causes.11
a note from the Belgian Minister…to [obtain] from a person named Verheyden…his consent to the Marriage of his daughter Pauline.2 According to the Belgian Minister's despatch, Pauline was
a dressmaker in Ghlin, the Hainaut province of Belgium…and Gustave Bruart, a coppersmith in the same town.3 The minister writes that
the deed in question should be drawn up by a notary or posted before the authority [of Charles Verheyden] residing in Victoria.4 In an enclosed letter from Charles Vereydhen to the Acting Colonial Secretary, he writes that he had
no knowledge of this engagement…with Gustave Bruartand promised to
write to [his] daughter by the next mail.5 Currently, there is no record of Verheyden's reply to the minister's request.
endeavoring to capture Indians who had committed outrages on White Men.2 The despatches also highlight Verney's role as the secretary of the Board of Light House Commissioners during his time in Esquimalt.3
one of the most capable and public-spirited men ever chosen to office by the people of this province.He lived in London from 1895 to 1899 as the British B.C. Agent General, then spent the remainder of his life in Victoria.1
morally contaminatedroyal court. Nearly three years after her accession, in February 1840, Victoria married her cousin, Albert, who was the prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The couple, with their nine children, would become the exemplar of the ideal British family. Despite being the ruling monarch, Victoria would largely concede the running of the household to her husband, and, after Albert's death, Victoria often noted how dependant on him she had been.3
ahead of the gold rush boom which [Vignolo and others] had precipitated.2
extensive embezzlement and fraud,reported by the Daily British Colonist, April 7, 1862.4
G. Vignolonor a
Vignolawas not located in Victoria.5 One scholar suggests the possibility that Vignolo may have travelled with
Victoria speculatorsalong the Bentinck Arm Corridor to Bella Coola.6 His fate is unknown.
sufficient priceto fund the emigration of Britons of diverse social backgrounds to British colonies in order to create more successful colonies.3 The policies were originally intended for use in Australia and New Zealand, but Wakefield later determined that the same principle could be applied in the Canadian context and appended the proposed policy to Durham's Report.
an ambitious and pretentious man who considered himself part of the Government House ‘circle'.3 Upon hearing of his appointment as Acting Colonial Secretary for Vancouver Island, colonials in Perth questioned his loyalty and commitment to his position in Australia.4
Vancouver's Island Sawing Mill and Agricultural Company.
and on 21 November 1863, Walkemcoloniallawyers to plead in court,
was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court.2
maintained his seat on the expanded legislative council.3
contributed to railway safety and efficiency in a number of ways.2 Born 20 March 1812 in Camden Town, England, he died in Tunbridge Wells on 24 December 1882, at the age of seventy.3
he shewed wisdom in refusing the Presidency.4 However, in 1856, Walker did become president of Nicaragua and implemented an “Americanization” program to encourage U.S. citizens to immigrate there.5
clever but not very popular.4 Newcastle was initially displeased by the appointment of Watson as three others appointed by Douglas had
proved defaulters,but as Watson had already quit his job at the bank to take the position, Newcastle let him remain as Treasurer so as not to bring any hardship upon him.5 Watson's services were terminated with the union of Vancouver Island and British Columbia in November 1866.6 He later became the general inspector of the Bank of British Columbia.7
a crafty American Adventurerwho wanted
to secure a monopoly of the timber exports from Soke.In the first case, Webster had two cargo ships unjustly arrested; in the second case, he sued the Muir family, his competitors. Douglas cites these cases, in which Webster exploits British Columbia's nascent legal system, as part of his argument to establish a supreme court.3
that several shots had been fired…as the vessel was passing the Hydah Camp.2 The H.M.S. Ganges and its crew gave further naval assistance in disarming the Indigenous group.3 In an earlier despatch, Captain John Jenkins and various passengers ask Judge Pemberton to
take this matter in hand as the Indians are situated in a location dangerous to settlers…either leaving or entering Victoria.4 Weirs and five other passengers signed this report to Judge Pemberton on 28 June 1860.5 Following the altercation, Indigenous peoples who had fired on the Royal Charley
were publicly whipped…and afterwards conveyed to jail for a term of imprisonment, with hard labour.6
executed the orders of the Admiralty Board … and [took] charge of the Marine Recruiting Service.4 In a despatch from 16 March 1861 , Wesley addresses the missing salaries of marines reporting in the Vancouver Island Esquimalt base.5 In his report to the Admiralty Secretary, Wesley recounts that throughout the year
no colonial or extra pay was received…for Captain Henry's embarkation on the H.M.S. Satellite.6 Highlights in Wesley's career include serving in the U.S. and Lower Canada in the War of 18127 and directing the marines in the Crimean War.8 In 1862, Wesley retired from the Royal Marines and retained the title of Major General. 9 Notably, after retiring from the Royal Navy, he was knighted under the Most Honourable Military Order of Bath, KCB.10 He married Mary Butt, sister to Queen's Counsel M.P. Isaac Butt, in 1835.11 In 1877, Wesley passed away at the age of 86 in Blackheath, England.12
Captain Whannell formerly of the Nizam's service in India.Douglas appointed Whannell to Justice of the Peace and Revenue officer at Fort Yale, reported in the Victoria Gazette as:
Captain P. B. Whannell, of the Victoria Yeomanry Cavalry, in Australia, and late of the Nigarris [sic] Cavalry in the East Indies.When this article was reprinted in an Australian newspaper, authorities in Australian contacted Douglas to inform him that Whannell was not a captain, but only a trooper in the Yeomanry Cavalry who had left the colony in 1856 with the wife of a resident of Melbourne.2
Brother Magistrate,George Perrier. As a result of issuing the arrest of Whannell, Perrier was also dismissed from his position.4
do away with him.1 The next day, White noticed them making signs to each other in the canoe and handling their knives. They then landed on an island, but White refused to go any further with them, so the men left him there with only his clothes and a little flour. Two days after, three First Nations men came along, robbed White, and then brought him into their canoe. Later, they landed on a beach, and one of them shot White while he was making a fire. White ran and hid from them in a bush for several days, after which he crawled back to the beach where he met a First Nations couple. These individuals brought White into their house, gave him food, and treated him very well. John stated that
they saved my life and did everything in their power for me except give me up.2
piousand that they
gave me constant religious instruction and care.2 However, as a man, Whitman was unable to afford training as a minister, instead in 1832 he attended Fairfield Medical College where he received his medical degree.3
temperament,6 ignoring these opinions the Whitmans continued to their destination.
Christiansettlers settle on the Cayuses' land -- creating a rightful worry for the tribe about their possible displacement.9
practicing witchcraftin order to kill the Indigenous population and only heal the settlers -- a practice in Indigenous culture that merits the killing of the
medicine man,a practice that Whitman was aware of.11
battered beyond recognition.12 The Whitman Massacre led to the onset of the Cayuse War (1848-1850) and later gave the Whitmans the label of “martyrs” which in turn hastened and helped sanction American settlement in the West.13 Although the Whitmans are still commemorated for their work and their martyrdom, it should be noted that there are two sides to this history, and that the Indigenous perspectives should be taken into consideration when evaluating these tragic events.
They disputed with their wretched coyote dogs anything we threw out of the house in the shape of bones, bacon rind, tea leaves, and other such like luxuries. Many of them are however are able and willing to pack.4 While Whymper was hired for painting and drawing the Bute Inlet area, he gained more recognition for his account on the context of the killings.5 Whymper left the Bute Inlet area days prior the attack.6
Mr. Robert Williams, a most reliable gentleman, from the Forks of Fraser and Thompson, has given us a specimen of copper found in that country, which will assay 95 per cent. He also showed us a beautiful specimen of amber found there.
squatter.1 Williams,
the son of an Iroquois voyageur and Chinook mother,and worked for the Hudson's Bay Company in various capacities including,
asses[ing] Vancouver Island's resources.2
it is essential for the security of all, that those persons should be protected.4 Douglas, with the aid of Vice Admiral Bruce, entered the Cowichan Valley to find and try Tathlasut for his crime.5 Tathlasut was tried and found guilty of
maiming Thomas Williams with intent to murder,and was subsequently hanged.6 Williams did not die as a result of the attack. Douglas later reflected on the incident,
never was a single example more urgently demanded for the maintenance of our prestige with the Indian Tribes than on that occasion.7
detainedthese men
although not against their will.But they saw his
persistence in retaining these peopleas part of a
selfish policyof the British to
obtain commercial advantages with Japan for the British flag.5
great injustice,Wood was appointed Acting Attorney General, eventually replacing Attorney General George Hunter Cary, who had been accused of mishandling finances.2
high character for integrity and ability.Douglas further reports that Wootton
has been for some time serving as Clerk of the Writs in the Supreme Court [and] is a certificated Master in the Mercantile Marine.4 Wootton often dealt with debt collection, as well as customs laws concerning foreign vessels trading in local waters.5
customs of the country,but
formallyrecognized in the church on 6 November 1849. The Works lived at Fort Simpson for twelve years before settling at Fort Victoria in 1850.2 While at Fort Simpson, Legacé-Work created good relationships with the surrounding Indigenous groups, such as the Tsimshian Peoples, while raising her children.3
epitome of the Victorian matronand that at a glance,
she could be taken for the Queen Victoria herself.5 Further, her home was always noted for its hospitality and warmth, as one guest described her kindness towards them. With Victoria's growth, Legacé-Work became known for her influence and assistance to the incoming pioneer women. She died on 30 January 1896 at the age of 87 as the
oldest known resident of the province.Her eulogy stated her
usefulness in pioneer work and many good deeds.6
never have been made about a white woman.7 However, she showed great strength, kindness, and resilience in her assistance of the “pioneer movement” and further hospitalities to incoming settlers and was recognized by her contemporaries as
a woman of outstanding character.8
governor of the Russian settlements in America;he also held positions as
director of the Russian American Company (1840-49), and naval minister (1855-57).2 In 1855, there was concern that the Russian American Company would attack the
defenceless state of Vancouvers Islandsince they had colonies in surrounding areas of North America, primarily in Alaska and California.3 These concerns were allayed after the Hudson's Bay Company signed a
reciprocal neutrality agreement with the Russian American Company.4 Wrangel's signature was included on
the official letter establishing their neutralitysent to the HBC.5 Wrangel has also been credited with
complet[ing] the mapping of the northeastern coast of Siberiaand helping to
found the Russian Geographical Society.6 Wrangel Island in Siberia was named in his honour.7 Wrangel died in Tartu, Estonia on 6 June 1870.8
on behalf of the Bishop and Clergy of the United Church of England and Ireland in Vancouvers Island and British Columbia.2 He also served on a panel of judges for a controversial essay contest about the resources and capabilities of British Columbia. The panelists took issue with the fact that the winning essay was altered without their knowledge to remove criticism of the colonial government.3 The newspaper the British Columbian published a passage of the essay as it was received by the panel alongside a passage of the essay as it was finally published.4 According to James Douglas, it was merely condensed to serve as a more useful tool to garner immigration to the colony.5 In a letter to the other judges of the contest, Wright remarked,
I observe that the Essay has been greatly changed, some passages very interesting to the Colonists have disappeared, and others far from acceptable to them, have been introduced.6
establish the customs house in a wooden structure near the post-office of that day.2 In 1868, Wylde applied for an increase in his annual salary of $1,704; and in 1869, Wylde applied for an advance of $300 to relieve him from
pecuniary difficulties incurred through change of residence and increased expenses owing to Union.Council denied both applications.3 Brand and Company to Fortescue, 1st Baron Carlingford Chichester 6 May 1862, CO 60:14, no. 4601, 335, shows that Wylde appeared to be acting on behalf of Green & Benjamins of Surinam.
four daughters and two sons to mourn his loss.5
free trade with the mining population of Fraser Riverand the removal of Governor James Douglas.2 Yates also built the first saloon in Victoria after receiving a retail license for ale and spirit shops in 1853.3 Yates was an influential figure in Victoria who helped
shape public policy… in favour of positive conditions for establishing the province as a material, intellectual, and political power.4
as a part of the first band of immigrants.6 Yates built his fortune by selling liquor and real estate;
the building which housed his second saloon, the Ship Inn, still stands at 1218 Wharf St and is recognized by its metal columns which extend over the sidewalk there.7 He is also the namesake of Yates Street in Victoria.8 Yates and his family returned to Scotland in 1860 with their riches and
settled at Porto Bello in Edinburgh.9 Yates died in Edinburgh on 23 February 1900, shortly after the death of his wife.10
hard pressed,might move his colony from Utah into British Columbia (then still part of the Hudson's Bay Company-controlled Northwest Territory).3 Despite their willingness to harbour political exiles, the British administration explicitly told Vancouver Island Governor James Douglas to ban Mormons from
any rights of occupation whatever.4 Members of the Colonial Office even discussed the use of warships to prevent Mormon immigration.5
the formalities necessary for passing a married woman's Estate.The estate originally belonged to her adopted father, Cameron.5
on orders from her husband, but was rejected due to no stock being available.1British ColumbiaColonial Government Stock
they had at least one child.2
Mr Brown of Sydney New South Walesthat
no progress has been made in connecting British Columbia with Canada by railway.
