No. 147
22nd November 1867
My Lord Duke,
With reference to my Confidential despatch of the 25th of September, I have the honor to forward copies of further letters which have passed between ColonelScottManuscript image Scott and Major Hoyt of the American Army, on the one side and myself on the other.
2. In replying to Colonel Scott I have given my idea as to the manner in which the United States should deal with the Indians in their newly purchased Territory of Alaska. I believe that Colonel Scott has the very best intentions buttheManuscript image the management of Native Races cannot be acquired by instruction or precept. A long training will generally be required.
3. To Major Hoyt I have stated that, subject to Your Grace's permission I will permit Cattle imported from Puget Sound, for the use of the United States' Garrisons in Alaska, to be imported into British Columbia duty free, acertificateManuscript image certificate being given that a like number will be exported.
4. It seems to me that this privilege may very fairly be considered. Were it not, the steamers chartered by the United States would go direct to Puget's Sound for their Cattle and thus inflict an injury on Victoria and its neighbourhood.
5. I have the pleasure of adding that the mostfriendlyManuscript image friendly and intimate relations exist between the American authorities on this Coast and myself.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord Duke,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant.
Frederick Seymour
Minutes by CO staff
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Sir F. Rogers
Governor Seymour's proceedings both in regard to giving information as to the treatment of Indians & as to passing American cattle thro B. Columbia are quite in accord with the instructions sent to him by the Duke of Buckingham in his despatch 28 Dec No. 101.
Copy to F.O.Manuscript image See minute on 12847—F.O.—a suggestion that Lord Monck shd be informed of the result of the reference to the Queen's Advocate as to whether the U. States was bound by our Treaty in 1825 with Russia.
Shall a copy of the confidential despatch of 17 Jan. be sent to Lord Monck?
CC 5/2
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I think so. Ackne & approve & to F.O. so informing them.
FR 5/2
CBA 6/2
B&C 6/2
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Seymour to Colonel Scott, 4 October 1867, giving advice on dealing with the Indians. Transcribed Below.
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Seymour to Major Hoyt, 4 October 1867, consenting to the passage of cattle through the colony.
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Scott to Seymour, 28 October 1867, expressing thanks for his assistance.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Seymour, No. 11, 10 February 1868 acknowledging Seymour’s despatch describing correspondence between Seymour, Scott, and Hoyt regarding “the management of the Indian Tribes in the territory…the transit of Cattle through British Columbia for the use of the United States garrison in Alaska” and approving of Seymour’s actions.
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Rogers to Secretary of State, Foreign Office, 12 February 1868, forwarding copy of the despatch for information.
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Draft reply, Buckingham to Monck, Canada, Confidential, 12 February 1868 informing Monck of Seymour’s despatch regarding the impacts of the US now controlling former Russian America, particularly in regards to the 1825 international treaty between Britain and Russia.
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
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Enclosure
In Despatch Marked No. 147
22nd November 1864.


(Copy.)

Governor Seymour to Col: Scott U.S.A


Victoria 4th October 1864

My dear Sir,

I hear that you are about to leave Victoria and I at once answer your official letter, although possibly it might have been more satisfactory to talk over its contents once more.
As regards the treatment of the Indians I do not think you will have much trouble. I have alwaysManuscript imagealways treated them as, to a certain extent, an inferior race to ourselves, but with strict justice. I enclose letters of introduction to the Police Magistrate at Nanaimo and Mr. Duncan, the Magistrate at Metlakahtla. You will find Mr. Duncan more conversant with the Indian character than almost anyone in British Columbia. If you stop at Fort Simpson you can gain much practiced information from the representative of the Hudson Bay Company.
I have found that the Indians have a strong idea of justiceManuscript imagejustice and know when they are in the wrong. At the same time if not satisfied in their minds that the punishment inflicted on them is deserved they will long cherish a desire for retaliation and vengeance.

Wishing that I could give you more information.
I remain