Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Labouchere, Henry 22 August 1856, CO 305:7, no. 9709, 92.

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Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Labouchere, Henry 22 August 1856, CO 305:7, no. 9709, 92.

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.

Douglas informs Labouchere that a British-born squatter named Thomas Williams is feared to be in a fatally wounded state by , an Indian of the Saumina Tribe. Douglas hopes to have the Chief of the tribe surrender the suspected murderer or, failing that, he will march a force into that country for that purpose. He assures Labouchere that he will do his best to avoid collisions with the natives, and not push the matter further than is necessary to secure the peace of the country.

The minutes reserve this document for further information.

No. 20

Victoria Vancouver's Island

22th August 1856

Sir

Thomas Williams a British subject settled in the Cowegin country, was brought here this morning in, it is feared, a fatally wounded state, having been shot through the arm and chest, by "Tathlasut" an Indian of the Saumina Tribe who inhabit the upper Cowegin District. Thomas Williams is one of that class of men known in this country as "squatters", that is persons who have not purchased and therefore

therefore have no legal claim to the land they occupy, and though I have always made it a rule to discountenance the irregular settlement of the country, yet it is essential for the security of all, that those persons should be protected.

I propose in the first place to demand the surrender of "Tathlasut" from the Chiefs of his Tribe, and should we not succeed in securing him by that means, the only alternative left, will be to march a force into the country for that purpose. The squadron being now here, a sufficient force can with the co-operation of Admiral Bruce be raised without difficulty, and I feel assured that he will render every assistance in his power.

I have only further to assure you that I will do every thing in my power to avoid collisions with the natives, and not push the matter further than is necessary to secure the peace of the country.