Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Cardwell, Edward 7 October 1864, CO 60:19, no. 10957, 315.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2).
This document contains mentions of Indigenous Peoples. The authors of these documents
often perpetuate a negative perspective of Indigenous Peoples and it is important
to look critically at these mentions. They sometimes use terminology that is now considered
hurtful and offensive. To learn more about modern terminology pertaining to Indigenous
Peoples, Indigenous ways of knowing, and decolonization, please refer to the Glossary of terms.
Seymour announces the return of Brew’s expedition party who were searching for the killers of road workers at Bute Inlet.
No. 58
7th October 1864
Sir,
It is with great satisfaction that I announce to you the
safe return of Mr Brew and the party of Volunteers despatched
under him from New Westminster to act against the Chilicoten Indians.
2. He is at present too much engaged to funish me with full
particulars of his proceedings subsequent to my departure from
his Camp. As mentioned inmy
my despatch No. 37 of the 9th of
September, he pursued the Indians among the Bute Inlet Mountains
until his supplies failed. The snow began then to fall and he
proceeded to Nacoontloon to receive the submission of
and his portion of the tribe. The Chief restored unreservedly
all his share of the plunder but seemed to expect little mercy.
As, however, his hands had not been stained in white men's blood,
Mr Brew very properly gave him his pardon. then promised
to capture the murderers still at large and immediately proceed
in pursuit,but
but as Mr Brew had limited him as to time, returned
in six days without them. He says, however, that he will take
them in the spring.
my despatch No. 37 of the 9th of
September, he pursued the Indians among the Bute Inlet Mountains
until his supplies failed. The snow began then to fall and he
proceeded to Nacoontloon to receive the submission of
and his portion of the tribe. The Chief restored unreservedly
all his share of the plunder but seemed to expect little mercy.
As, however, his hands had not been stained in white men's blood,
Mr Brew very properly gave him his pardon. then promised
to capture the murderers still at large and immediately proceed
in pursuit,but
but as Mr Brew had limited him as to time, returned
in six days without them. He says, however, that he will take
them in the spring.
3. Mr Brew expresses his conviction that safety for life
and property is now fully restored to the Chilicoten Country.
4. Mr Cox's party has been disbanded at Alexandria. The
Indian prisoners are undergoing their trial before Judge Begbie
at Quesnel Mouth.
