Blanshard, Governor Richard to Grey, Third Earl Henry George 4 August 1851, CO 305:3, no. 8963, 28.

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Despatch to London
Blanshard, Richard to Grey, Henry George 4 August 1851, CO 305:3, no. 8963, 28.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (4), Enclosures (transcribed) (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1), Marginalia (4).

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.

Blanshard writes to Grey to forward a report on the conflict at Nahwitti, and speculates that the recent naval assault has reduced risks of Indigenous aggression at Fort Rupert.

The minutes reflect, first, on the receipt of Wellesley's earlier report on the murder of three British Seamen, and then note the difficulty in passing judgment on this, and related matters, due to the consistent absence of information from Blanshard.

Of the documents enclosed in the file is a draft reply from Grey to Douglas, a report on the attempted arrest of the alleged murderers, and a report from Lacy to Fanshawe on the details of the attempted arrest.

8963 Vancouvers Island
Military

Copy

Victoria, Vancouvers Island

4 August 1851

My Lord,

I have the honor to forward for your information the report made to Captain Fanshawe of HM Ship "Daphne" by Lieutenant Lacy of the Daphne, who commanded a party sent to apprehend the murderers of the

2Ansd 5th November — No 9. Military

British seamen at Newitty, on the 19 July last; the tribe at first fired on the boats, but fled when the party landed, Lieutenant Lacy did not pursue them owing to the nature of the ground but the other Indians represent the dispersion of the tribe as complete, this was effected without loss and the wounds of the two seamen

seamen are slight. A most beneficial effect has been produced on the tribes in the neighbourhood who had previously caused much alarm among the Hudson's bay company's servants, and endangered the safety of the post at Fort Rupert, for the future I trust that place will remain in Safety which it did not appear to be before —

I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Obedient Servant
Richard Blanshard, Governor

1The Rt Honble
Earl Grey.

Minutes by CO staff

The Admy reported in February last the proceedings which were adopted by Captn Wellesley of HMS. Daedalus with reference to the murder of three British Seamen in or about the month of Sept 1850. The Governor's present Report relates to new murders committed on British Seamen on the 19h of July last, 1851.

Lieut Lacy of HMS Daphne appears to have pursued and dispersed the tribe by which these murders were committed.

This must have produced

a good effect.

But it is apparently at variance with the instructions which Lord Grey issued — on the first transaction — See those Instructions annexed. So little is said by the Governor on the subject, that it becomes somewhat difficult, if not hazardous to censure or approve his proceedings and those of the Naval officers.

PS 25 Oct

This will be for Ld Grey's consideration.

T.FE. 25/10.

O 25 BH.

Acknowledge & say that without farther fuller informatn it is impossible for me to assess judge of the propriety of these proceedings & refer to my despatch of the 20th of March for an explanatn of the general views of H.M's Govt on the subject of the protectn to be afforded against the Indians to Bsh subjects. —

G. 29

Minutes by CO staff

I have nothing to add to the instructns contained in that despatch. —

Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)

Fanshawe to Blanshard, 21 July 1851, forwarding copy of Lacy's report on the attempted arrest of some "Newitty murderers," as per despatch.

Lacy to Fanshawe, 21 July 1851, reporting on the proceedings taken in the attempted arrest of the murderers.

Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)

Copy

In 8963/37

H.M.S. Daphne
Beaver Harbour Vancouver's Island
21 July 1851Public Record Office

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th Inst in consequence of which, I, the same might, despatched the boats of the ship under the command of Lieutenant Lacy to endeavour to arrest the murderers and I enclose herewith a copy of that Officers Report of his proceedings whilst so employed,

I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
(Signed) E G Fanshawe, Captain

His Excellency
Richard Blanshard
&c &c &c

Footnotes