Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Correspondence (private letter)
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Elliot, Thomas Frederick 8 May 1866, CO 60:27, no. 4440, 394.
Abstract
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Elliot, Thomas Frederick 8 May 1866, CO 60:27, no. 4440, 394.
Correspondence (private letter).
Minutes (4), Other documents (2).
Seymour to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)
London
8 May 1866
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 27
ultimo, enclosing a communication from Sir Edmund Head
relating to the introduction of spirituous liquors among the
Indians on the Peace River and Athabasca District.
It is not stated by what route the spirits are conveyed,
but I presume
that they are smuggled from Victoria to the North
West coast of British Columbia & conveyed by the Stickeen
& Peace Rivers to the Hudson's Bay territory. It is difficult
to prevent this traffic as the [bounds?]
of the former river is
in the Russian territory. The whiskey smuggling is however
carried on to a fearful extent along the whole coast, & I can
only suggest the occasional visit of a ship of war. I believe that
the recent cruise of Her Majesty's ship
"Clio" will be productive
of much good.
that they are smuggled from Victoria to the North
West coast of British Columbia & conveyed by the Stickeen
& Peace Rivers to the Hudson's Bay territory. It is difficult
to prevent this traffic as the [bounds?]
of the former river is
in the Russian territory. The whiskey smuggling is however
carried on to a fearful extent along the whole coast, & I can
only suggest the occasional visit of a ship of war. I believe that
the recent cruise of Her Majesty's ship
"Clio" will be productive
of much good.
I do not know if any action could be taken in the matter by
the Legislature of Vancouver Island, from which colony the whiskey
is exported.
T.F. Elliot Esqre
&c &c &c
&c &c &c
Minutes by CO staff
I was not present at the interview appointed on this subject
between Mr Cardwell, Sir Edmund Head and Mr Seymour—and can
therefore only forward this for directions, as I do not know what may
have passed or have been elicited.
TFE
24 May
Mr Cardwell
Would it not be well to send Sir E. Head's letter to Govr Kennedy. I think the legislature of Vancouver's Island is at fault, but we may hope this may be remedied by the new Legislature if the Union be effected.
Would it not be well to send Sir E. Head's letter to Govr Kennedy. I think the legislature of Vancouver's Island is at fault, but we may hope this may be remedied by the new Legislature if the Union be effected.
WEF
25/5
Other documents included in the file
Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 4 June 1866, forwarding
copy of correspondence on the subject for information.
