Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 4 July 1863, CO 305:20, no. 8070, 223.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (3), Other documents (1).
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.
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 inthat
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.
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's
Hardinge's Report of Proceedings is forwarded
herewith for Your Grace's information.
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
-
- For Manslaughter The last named was indicted for the murder of a white man,name
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 shestruck
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.
- For the Murder of one Marks and his
Daughter.
-
- For the Murder of one Charles Glyddon
-
- For Manslaughter The last named was indicted for the murder of a white man,name
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 shestruck
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.
These
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 journeyalong
along the Coast.
along the Coast.
Minutes by CO staff
See draft.
CF
20
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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.
Hardinge to Commodore J.W.S. Spencer, HMS Topaze, 8 June 1863,
detailed report on his successful expedition as noted above.
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.
