No. 25
4 July 1863
In continuation of my despatch of the 21st May No 16, I have the honor to acquaint Your Grace that with the assistance afforded by Commodore Spencer, the Senior Naval Officer at Vancouver's Island, the active operations described inthatManuscript image that Despatch for seeking out and bringing to justice the Indian Criminals have been very closely, and I am thankful to say successfully followed up.
2. An expedition, under the Command of Commander Hardinge, of Her Majesty's Ship Cameleon, to aid the civil power was detached to the Coast, and eventually succeeded in capturing all but one of the principal Criminals.
3. A Copy of CommanderHardinge'sManuscript image Hardinge's Report of Proceedings is forwarded herewith for Your Grace's information.
4. The accused Indians were tried at the Assizes held on the 17h day of June 1863, and a conviction obtained against five of them.
- For the Murder of one Marks and his
Daughter.
-
- For the Murder of one Charles Glyddon
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- For Manslaughter The last named was indicted for the murder of a white man,nameManuscript image name unknown, about 5 years ago. He admitted the truth of the evidence as to the killing, but stated that one , since killed by Indians, was the instigator of the deed, and that it was only when was being worsted by the white man that he had gone to his assistance. Even then it would seem that the unfortunate victim would have overcome both his assailants, had not the wife of seized an Axe with which shestruckManuscript image struck the white man in the back, and disabled him. He was then stabbed by . has been sentenced to Four years imprisonment with hard labor. He is an old man and may not live to serve out the term.
5. The other four Indians convicted of the Capital crime were sentenced to death, and were hanged this morning at 7 O'Clock in front of the Police Barracks at Victoria.
TheseManuscript image
6. These prompt and vigorous measures were necessary to address an apparently increasing mania amongst certain Tribes of Indians to become great and noted by the commission of crime. I am satisfied that the whole proceedings from first to last will not only tend to uproot such evil passions, but will materially conduce to the future safety of the white population, whether scattered in settlement around, or passing in solitary journeyalongManuscript image along the Coast.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Duke
Your Graces most obedient
and humble Servant
James Douglas
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Acknowledge? See 8071.
VJ 18 Aug
Hanging is doubtless the best disposal of a murderer, white or black.
Acknowledge?
TFE 18 Augt
See draft.
CF 20
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Commander E. Hardinge, HMS Cameleon, to Douglas, 8 June 1863, forwarding copy of his report on the expedition to capture the natives accused of murdering Marks and his daughter.
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Hardinge to Commodore J.W.S. Spencer, HMS Topaze, 8 June 1863, detailed report on his successful expedition as noted above.
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Note providing the names of the three "Indians of the Lemalcha tribe detained and Sent to Victoria at the pleasure of His Excellency The Governor," no signature, dated HMS Cameleon at Telegraph Harbour, Kuper Island, 8 June 1863.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 35, 27 August 1863.