No. 141
5th November 1870
My Lord,
I have the honor to report my return yesterday to Victoria from the visits to some places on the Coast which I informed Your Lordship in my last Despatch that it was my intention to make in Her Majesty's Ship "Sparrowhawk."
2. As I had hoped, IwasManuscript image was successful in settling the disputes at Knights Inlet between the Indian Tribe and the persons concerned in the Copper mine. The Indians on hearing of the approach of the Ship restored certain sacks of ore which they had detained. The Chiefs of the Tribe came on board and expressed their regret for the opposition which they had made to the working of the mine, and theirwillingnessManuscript image willingness that any white men who chose should now come to the neighbourhood for that purpose. I have reason to think that in the first instance their objections arose from their belief that the ore which was taken from the "lead" contained gold, which they desired to retain for themselves, or regarded as deserving compensation for the land. But, one of the parties interested in the mining equipment was present atmyManuscript image my interview with the Chiefs, and expressed his satisfaction at the understanding with the Indians and the promises which they now gave, upon which I consented to pardon the offence of which they had been guilty in obstructing the mining party in the prosecution of their innocent undertaking. At the same time I impressed upon the white settlers the importance of good faith in their dealings with the Indians, and ofabstainingManuscript image abstaining from any injury to their salmon fisheries with regard to which they are solicitous. I think that this matter is satisfactorily settled and I do not apprehend any further difficulty.
3. On my return from Knight's Inlet I visited the agricultural district of Comox, Nanaimo, which is the Coal mining centre, and the District of Cowichan which though inferior to Comox,isManuscript image is still capable of becoming a very important agricultural region. I have indeed been agreeably surprised by what I have seen of Vancouver Island in this respect. At all these places substantial comfort may be witnessed easily rewarding honest industry, and in some cases remarkable success has been the result of only a few years of labor. Comox presents peculiar advantages for agriculture; is being rapidly occupied; and cannot failtoManuscript image to become a populous and prosperous part of the Colony.
4. I enclose copies of Addresses which were presented to me at Nanaimo and Cowichan and of the replies which I made to them. The settlers at Comox are more scattered than in other places and it was stated to me apologetically that as my visit was somewhat unexpected, time had not been afforded to prepare an address for presentation.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
A. Musgrave
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Herbert
Govr Musgrave reports the results of his visit to Vancouver. At one place he settled a dispute between Indians & Miners, and received Kindly & loyal addresses at Nanaimo & Cowichan.
Acknowledge, & state that the Sec. of State has read with interest this account of his visit to various places on the Coast of Vancouver Island.
RSM 7/12/70
RGWH Dec 7/70
WM 8/12
Manuscript image
And that I observe with much satisfaction the loyal & kindly tone of the addresses presented to him at Nanaimo & Cowichan.
K Dec 11/70
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
Address, Residents at Nanaimo to Musgrave, no date, signed by Will Aitken, Chairman of Public Meeting, and C.A. Alport, Secretary.
Manuscript image
Musgrave's reply to Nanaimo address, 2 November 1870.
Manuscript image
Address, People of Cowichan to Musgrave, no date, signed by F.J. Skinner, H. Marriner, W. Drinkwater and others.
Manuscript image
Musgrave's reply to Cowichan address, 3 November 1870.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Kimberley to Musgrave, No. 37, 16 December 1870.
Musgrave, Sir Anthony to Wodehouse, First Earl of Kimberley John 5 November 1870, CO 60:41, no. 12859, 172. The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.0, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/B70141.html.

Last modified: 2020-03-30 13:22:16 -0700 (Mon, 30 Mar 2020) (SVN revision: 4193)