Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Frederick to Carnarvon, Earl 22 April 1867, CO 60:28, no. 5799, 102.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (transcribed) (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (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 encloses reports regarding the likelihood of war
between the Indians inhabiting the Country beyond the Rocky Mountains and those of [the] Western plains.Seymour reasons that, if any war occurs, it will occur in the US territories and plans to not interfere. Included documents describe how a war between different indigenous peoples is unlikely but that there are large movements of people taking place.
No. 69
22nd April 1867
My Lord,
I have the honor to enclose reports which may not be
uninteresting to Your Lordship respecting the probability of a
war taking place this summer betweenthe
the Indians inhabiting the
Country beyond the Rocky Mountains and those of our Western plains.
The place where the War Council is taking place is in the United
States territory about four miles south of the boundary line,
and the scene of operations, if war takes place, will probably
be in our neighbour's territory. I am not interfering in any way,
as it is fear alone which has kept the Blackfoot Indiansfrom
from
making an attack on the Kootenay Miners. Last Summer considerable
anxiety was felt on the subject on Wild Horse Creek.
the Indians inhabiting the
Country beyond the Rocky Mountains and those of our Western plains.
The place where the War Council is taking place is in the United
States territory about four miles south of the boundary line,
and the scene of operations, if war takes place, will probably
be in our neighbour's territory. I am not interfering in any way,
as it is fear alone which has kept the Blackfoot Indiansfrom
from
making an attack on the Kootenay Miners. Last Summer considerable
anxiety was felt on the subject on Wild Horse Creek.
Minutes by CO staff
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
P. O'Reilly, Magistrate, Columbia District, to Colonial
Secretary, 7 February 1867, stating an imminent Indian war
appeared unlikely.
Extract, J.B. Gaggin, Magistrate, Kooteney District, 2 January
1867, expressing the same view as noted above.
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
The Magistrate of Columbia
District to the Colonial Secretary
7th February 1867
Copy
Sir,
In reply to your queries regarding the Kootenay Flathead, Spokane and Blackfeet Indians.
I have the honor to inform you that the territory of the latter tribe lies on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, South of the
the Boundary, and extends as far as the Red River Settlement.
the Boundary, and extends as far as the Red River Settlement. The Flathead, and Spokane Indians also inhabit American territory West of the Rocky Mountains, and though the Kootenay's reside in British Columbia during the greater portion of the year, they generally winter on the Tobacco plains,
which are situated a few miles south of the line.
The three last named tribes have been on friendly terms for many years, and commonly
unite to repel the incursions
incursions and depredations of the Blackfeet, who are warlike and famous for their
horse thieving propensities.
incursions and depredations of the Blackfeet, who are warlike and famous for their
horse thieving propensities.The Indian mode of Warfare generally consists in making raids upon each others property,
for which purpose they cross the mountains, and drive off bands of horses and there
is not unfrequently much blood shed on these expeditions, the men are shot down and
scalped, and the women and Children become the slaves of the Victors. Instances
Instances have occurred of Packers having lost their entire trains, when they unfortunately
happened to encounter a party of these Marauders, who do not hesitate to appropriate
any property that comes in their way.
Instances have occurred of Packers having lost their entire trains, when they unfortunately
happened to encounter a party of these Marauders, who do not hesitate to appropriate
any property that comes in their way.I am unable to name even approximately the number of combatants likely to be engaged
should a general war take place among these tribes, possible some thousands. I am
of opinion however that no such war
war is imminent, it has been talked of for the past two years, but there has not resulted
anything more serious than a few of the depredatory excursions above referred to.
war is imminent, it has been talked of for the past two years, but there has not resulted
anything more serious than a few of the depredatory excursions above referred to.The Indians of these tribes never travel except on horseback, and consequently they
only make their raids in the summer season, when the passess of the mountains are
free from snow.
I have &c
Signed) P. O’Reilly.
Signed) P. O’Reilly.