Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
No. 68, Miscellaneous
17th August 1865
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a Report from the leader of
an exploring party together with a rough sketch of the locality from
which he writes.
Upwards of one hundredpeople people have gone to Clayoquot Sound, on the
West Coast of the Island in search of gold.
I will keep you informed of the proceedings of the party and the
prospects of the miners, as well as of the measures I may find it
necessary to adopt.
The Leech River diggings are supporting a small number of miners, and
a considerable number of Chinamen who are content with small gains.
I
I am persevering in the exploration of the Island under great
difficulties and discouragement, in the conviction that the discovery
of a gold field would render Vancouver Island a most valuable
possession.
Mr Buttle the leader of the expedition is an ex-non-commissioned
officer of the Royal Engineers, and may be relied upon as strictly
truthful.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant A.E. Kennedy
Governor
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
John Buttle to Colonial Secretary, 7 August 1865, unnamed
newspaper clipping, reporting on his expedition to Clayoquot Sound
on the west coast of Vancouver Island, as per despatch.
Sketch map of the region being explored, showing the site of
a gold discovery at Bear River.