Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Public Offices document
Paget, Clarence Edward to Rogers, Frederic 14 December 1864, CO 305:24, no. 11533, 28.
Abstract
Public Offices document.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (5), 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.
Paget sends reports, letters, and statements regarding
the punishment of the Ahousett Indians for the murder of the Crew of the British Vessel Kingfisher and the destruction of that Vessel.
Paget to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you
herewith, for the information of Mr Secretary Cardwell, a Copy of a
Letter dated the 12th Octr, No 22, from Rear Admiral The Hon. J.
Denman, with its enclosures, relating to the measures taken by him
for the punishment of the Ahousett Indians for the murder of the Crew
of the British Vessel Kingfisherand
and the destruction of that Vessel.
and the destruction of that Vessel.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Elliot
This letter and 11534 enclose further accounts from Admiral Denman of his proceedings against the Indians concerned in the Murder of the Crew of the Kingfisher. See also 11063. We are
still without any
report from the Govr.
This letter and 11534 enclose further accounts from Admiral Denman of his proceedings against the Indians concerned in the Murder of the Crew of the Kingfisher. See also 11063. We are
still without any
report from the Govr.
VJ
15 Decr
Mr Fortescue
Admiral Denman has had recourse to vigorous measures against the Ahousett Tribe for the murder of the Crew of the "Kingfisher." Two things are remarkable, 1st that the
operations were so conducted
that we do not appear to have lost a man, and 2ndly that the Indians
were so hotly pursued that they seem to be reduced to despair and
have quarrelled with their Chief and have already given up two of the
murderers.
Admiral Denman has had recourse to vigorous measures against the Ahousett Tribe for the murder of the Crew of the "Kingfisher." Two things are remarkable, 1st that the
operations were so conducted
that we do not appear to have lost a man, and 2ndly that the Indians
were so hotly pursued that they seem to be reduced to despair and
have quarrelled with their Chief and have already given up two of the
murderers.
Admiral Denman's other despatch in 11534 mentions that five of the
murderers obtained by the expedition to Bute Inlet have been
executed, and that Governor Seymour feels certain of obtaining the
rest of the Criminals in the Spring.
The necessity of fighting may be lamented, but as the Indians showed
in various quarters so daring a spirit of robbery and murder, I can
quite believe that the best course for humanity, as well as future
security, has been to make them feel the superior power of the White
man. If we were only to judge by the event, it seems to prove the
soundness of the measures adopted on the spot.
TFE
17 Decr
Mr Jadis
I think you had better draft, for considn, a letter to Admy, ackg this, & saying that Mr Cardwell has seen with much satisfaction the prompt measures taken by the Admiral, and the success which he has attained with apparently no Casualty in the forces employed.
I think you had better draft, for considn, a letter to Admy, ackg this, & saying that Mr Cardwell has seen with much satisfaction the prompt measures taken by the Admiral, and the success which he has attained with apparently no Casualty in the forces employed.
TFE
23/12
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Rear Admiral Denman to Secretary of the Admiralty, 12 October
1864, "reporting proceedings respecting the murder of the crew of the
Kingfisher," and enclosing further information on the situation.
"Schedule of enclosures contained in a Letter from Rear Admiral
the Honble Joseph Denman to the Secretary of the Admiralty," no
date, no signature, three entries.
Kennedy to Denman, 27 September 1864, expressing satisfaction at
the conclusion of the expedition against the "Indians" accused of
murdering Bamfield, and asking that Commander Pike now be sent to
deal with the outrage committed against the crew of the
Kingfisher.
Statement of , 5 October 1864, regarding the
murder of the crew of the Kingfisher and the sinking of the boat,
including the names of the perpetrators and the actions taken by
them, signed by Denman, J.P. Coode, J.W. Pike, W.E.L Veale, P.J.
Hankin and the mark of the Indian witness.
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 5 January 1865,
acknowledging their recent letters relating to "Indian outrages" in
Vancouver Island and expressing satisfaction with the prompt measures
adopted by Denman in the matter.