Seymour to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)
London
8 May 1866
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 27 ultimo, enclosing a communication from Sir Edmund Head relating to the introduction of spirituous liquors among the Indians on the Peace River and Athabasca District.
It is not stated by what route the spirits are conveyed, but I presumeManuscript image that they are smuggled from Victoria to the North West coast of British Columbia & conveyed by the Stickeen & Peace Rivers to the Hudson's Bay territory. It is difficult to prevent this traffic as the [bounds?] of the former river is in the Russian territory. The whiskey smuggling is however carried on to a fearful extent along the whole coast, & I can only suggest the occasional visit of a ship of war. I believe that the recent cruise of Her Majesty's shipManuscript image "Clio" will be productive of much good.
I do not know if any action could be taken in the matter by the Legislature of Vancouver Island, from which colony the whiskey is exported.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Frederick Seymour

Minutes by CO staff
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ABd 9 May
I was not present at the interview appointed on this subject between Mr Cardwell, Sir Edmund Head and Mr Seymour—and can therefore only forward this for directions, as I do not know what may have passed or have been elicited.
TFE 24 May
Mr Cardwell
Would it not be well to send Sir E. Head's letter to Govr Kennedy. I think the legislature of Vancouver's Island is at fault, but we may hope this may be remedied by the new Legislature if the Union be effected.
WEF 25/5
To Govr K. and to Admr.
EC 30 May
Other documents included in the file
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Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 4 June 1866, forwarding copy of correspondence on the subject for information.
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Draft reply, Cardwell to Kennedy, Vancouver Island, No. 23, 1 June 1866.