Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 25 May 1859, CO 305:10, no. 6949, 179.
Abstract
Douglas, Sir James to Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer 25 May 1859, CO 305:10, no. 6949, 179.
Despatch to London.
Minutes (5), Enclosures (transcribed) (1), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1), Other documents
(2), Marginalia (4).
No. 18
25 May 1859
The settlers in the Districts of East and West Saanitch having
entered complaints against certain of the Natives of that
quarter for shooting, and otherwise destroying, some five or six
head of their domestic cattle; I found it necessary for
for the
repression of such outrages to institute immediate proceedings
against the Natives Charged with those offences, and after some
difficulty and an abortive attempt on their part, at resistance,
which was promptly quelled by the Officers of Justice without any
more serious consequences than a bloodless affray, the parties
were taken into custody by Mr Sheriff Heaton, who displayed a
highly commendable degree
degree of firmness, temper, and good judgment
on the occasion.
for the
repression of such outrages to institute immediate proceedings
against the Natives Charged with those offences, and after some
difficulty and an abortive attempt on their part, at resistance,
which was promptly quelled by the Officers of Justice without any
more serious consequences than a bloodless affray, the parties
were taken into custody by Mr Sheriff Heaton, who displayed a
highly commendable degree
degree of firmness, temper, and good judgment
on the occasion.
2. He was ably supported by Lieut. Cooper of the Supernumerary
Force of Royal Marines, who with several privates of the same
Corps, came forward very handsomely and volunteered for that
service.
But must not the Settlers learn that they must rely entirely on
the Civil force for putting down civil affrays? The Colonists
will of course invoke the aid of Marines or Queen's Ships &
Troops if they can attain it. It is however a difficult point
how to act; for if a powerful tribe arrives, & kills
English Settlers, whilst there is military assistance at hand
which the Governor is [barred?] from using the Govt at home
may be reproached for restricting [four or five words cut off
file]. Perhaps it wd be safest always to give the
Governor a discretionary permission [in such?] cases.
3. Captain Hornby also proceeded at my request, to the scene of
action, with Her Majestys ship "Tribune", and though happily his
active interference was not needed, the
the very appearance of a
large military force in the vicinity of Saanitch, had a most
salutary effect on the minds of the Natives.
the very appearance of a
large military force in the vicinity of Saanitch, had a most
salutary effect on the minds of the Natives.
4. Two only of the Natives brought to trial were convicted of
the offences charged against them and they were sentenced
respectively to periods of 30 days imprisonment with hard labor
and as no offence could be proved against the others they were
all discharged to the great delight of their friends
friends, who
expressed their unqualified wonder and satisfaction at the fair
and impartial treatment of their countrymen while on trial.
friends, who
expressed their unqualified wonder and satisfaction at the fair
and impartial treatment of their countrymen while on trial.
5. The Native tribes in this neighbourhood continue quiet and
well disposed though much excitement prevails among the
Cowitchen Tribes in consequence of a detailed Survey of the
Cowitchen Valley which is now being executed by the Colonial
Surveyor of Vancouver Island. There is therefore a
a general
belief among the "Cowitchens" that their lands are to be
immediately sold and occupied by white settlers, an impression
which it is difficult to remove and that gives rise to much
contention amongst themselves about the disposal of their lands;
one party being in favour of a surrender of a part of their
country for settlement; while another party comprising nearly
all the younger men of the Tribe strongly oppose that measure
and
and wish to retain possession of the whole country in their own
hands, and I anticipate much trouble in the adjustment of those
disputes before the land can be acquired for settlement.
a general
belief among the "Cowitchens" that their lands are to be
immediately sold and occupied by white settlers, an impression
which it is difficult to remove and that gives rise to much
contention amongst themselves about the disposal of their lands;
one party being in favour of a surrender of a part of their
country for settlement; while another party comprising nearly
all the younger men of the Tribe strongly oppose that measure
and
and wish to retain possession of the whole country in their own
hands, and I anticipate much trouble in the adjustment of those
disputes before the land can be acquired for settlement.
6. The coast of Vancouvers Island has been lately visited by
large numbers of Savages from Queen Charlottes Island, the
Northern coasts of British Columbia, and Russian America, the
number of arrivals from those distant places, comprising 105
105
large canoes and about 1500 persons including women and children.
105
large canoes and about 1500 persons including women and children.
7. The presence in the settlement of these barbarians, is
troublesome and disagreable
though in smaller numbers, they might be useful to the white
settlers, who would find some mitigation of the evil in the
abundance of cheap labour thus provided for the Colony; as the
case is, their numbers far exceed the demand for labour, and
consequently
consequently the great majority can find no employment, and
become mischievous from the united effects of idleness and
poverty.
consequently the great majority can find no employment, and
become mischievous from the united effects of idleness and
poverty.
8. A serious affray occurred on the 14th instant, between the
Hyda's (Queen Charlotte Island Indians) and the Chimseyans (Fort Simpson people) at their encampment on the North side of
Victoria.
These tribes in their own country are at open war with each other,
and keep the
the peace while here, only from respect to our Laws; on
the occasion in question, their national animosity was
stimulated by a personal quarrel between two of their most
powerful chiefs. Both parties flew to arms and assailed each
other with the ferocity of tigers, and in a few minutes eight or
ten of the combatants were killed or wounded.
the peace while here, only from respect to our Laws; on
the occasion in question, their national animosity was
stimulated by a personal quarrel between two of their most
powerful chiefs. Both parties flew to arms and assailed each
other with the ferocity of tigers, and in a few minutes eight or
ten of the combatants were killed or wounded.
9.
9. The further destruction of life was prevented by the timely
arrival of Mr Commissioner Pemberton with the Victoria Police,
who succeeded in putting an end to the affray and in dispersing
the excited crowd of combatants. A copy of the Report of his
proceedings on that occasion is herewith forwarded for your
information. His suggestion for disarming those Indians is a
wise precaution, but practically impossible
impossible.
9. The further destruction of life was prevented by the timely
arrival of Mr Commissioner Pemberton with the Victoria Police,
who succeeded in putting an end to the affray and in dispersing
the excited crowd of combatants. A copy of the Report of his
proceedings on that occasion is herewith forwarded for your
information. His suggestion for disarming those Indians is a
wise precaution, but practically impossible
impossible.
10. I have in preference decided on removing them from the
Colony having already despatched on their return to Queen
Charlottes Island, about one fourth of the most dangerous of
their number, and I will in due time hereafter require the
others to take the same course.
11. I deeply regret however, that there are no means at my
disposal of affording
affording them employment in the Colony, either in
making roads, or otherwise opening the country for settlement,
as it is hardly creditable to the civilization of the nineteenth
century, that so essential an element of wealth, as labour of
the cheapest description, should be, in a manner, banished
from the Colony.
affording them employment in the Colony, either in
making roads, or otherwise opening the country for settlement,
as it is hardly creditable to the civilization of the nineteenth
century, that so essential an element of wealth, as labour of
the cheapest description, should be, in a manner, banished
Why? [Two or three words illegible]?
12. It may also interest the Christian Philanthropist to learn
that the employment of Indians in any menial capacity
capacity produces
an immediate change in their general habits: In personal
cleanliness, sobriety, and application the improvement is
striking, while association with the followers of a better
system, softens and tempers the character of the whole man,
confirms the influence of civilization, and prepares their mind
for the reception of Christian knowledge; while a capacity for
labour so acquired, places them above want and in a favourable
position
position for procuring all the necessaries, suitable to their
condition in life.
capacity produces
an immediate change in their general habits: In personal
cleanliness, sobriety, and application the improvement is
striking, while association with the followers of a better
system, softens and tempers the character of the whole man,
confirms the influence of civilization, and prepares their mind
for the reception of Christian knowledge; while a capacity for
labour so acquired, places them above want and in a favourable
position
position for procuring all the necessaries, suitable to their
condition in life.
13. Several hundred Indians might be employed to great
advantage in opening roads in British Columbia; and should the
Queensborough Land sales, which are to take place on the 1st
June next, prove as productive of revenue, as expected, I will
probably authorise the Chief Commissioner of Lands & Works
to raise a working corps of Indians
Indians for that purpose.
Indians for that purpose.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Fortescue
Mr Blackwood's remarks on the margin of this desp. raise a question of importance, but I own it seems to me that we cannot, in the present state of things, find any fault with the employment of such government force as is at hand, for
the
suppression of Indian trouble in Vanc. I. If this was to be
avoided, it should have been thought of before, ere the step was
taken of establishing a British colony on an island peopled at
the least by 15 or 20,000 of the most energetic of savages. An
infant colony
may
perhaps make head against such neighbours, but how? Only as the
New Englanders did in their early days, by selling their lives
dearly, returning massacre for massacre, and, if requisite,
treachery for treachery. If we want to avoid all this,
occasional use of the Queen's naval & military force, which
commonly effects more by shew than even by execution, is the
only course I know of. The last part of Governor Douglas's
despatch is interesting & important, coming from one so familiar
with the subject as himself, though I am not certain that I
apprehend the practical purpose of all he says.
Mr Blackwood's remarks on the margin of this desp. raise a question of importance, but I own it seems to me that we cannot, in the present state of things, find any fault with the employment of such government force as is at hand, for
the
suppression of Indian trouble in Vanc. I. If this was to be
avoided, it should have been thought of before, ere the step was
taken of establishing a British colony on an island peopled at
the least by 15 or 20,000 of the most energetic of savages. An
infant colony
may
perhaps make head against such neighbours, but how? Only as the
New Englanders did in their early days, by selling their lives
dearly, returning massacre for massacre, and, if requisite,
treachery for treachery. If we want to avoid all this,
occasional use of the Queen's naval & military force, which
commonly effects more by shew than even by execution, is the
only course I know of. The last part of Governor Douglas's
despatch is interesting & important, coming from one so familiar
with the subject as himself, though I am not certain that I
apprehend the practical purpose of all he says.
HM
July 11
Duke of Newcastle
I sh. be inclined to tell Govr Douglas, that there did not appear to be sufficient cause, in this case, for the use of the Queen's forces—& to recommend him to reserve such use for greater occasions. Otherwise the Civil force will not be respected by the Natives.
I sh. be inclined to tell Govr Douglas, that there did not appear to be sufficient cause, in this case, for the use of the Queen's forces—& to recommend him to reserve such use for greater occasions. Otherwise the Civil force will not be respected by the Natives.
CF
11
I am not disposed to condemn the conduct of the Govr in this
particular case as Mr Fortescue proposes. I should confine any
remarks to a
general
caution not to bring the Naval & Military force into service
upon such occasions except where the Civil force required
support, and then always to bring them out in such strength as
to ensure immediate success.
N
13
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Augustus F. Pemberton, Commissioner of Police, to William
A.G. Young, Acting Colonial Secretary, 15 May 1859, reporting
the disturbance between Indigenous groups and his proceedings
upon his arrival at the scene.
Other documents included in the file
Minutes by CO staff
It would not be amiss, I think, to send copies of this
correspce to the War Office, & through that Dt to the
Admy, that it may be known there that occasions arise when it
is, in the opinion of the local Authorities, unavoidable to have
recourse to the Military & Naval power. Draft to the War Office
is annexed for consideration.
Other documents included in the file
*
Draft, Colonial Office to Under-Secretary, War Office, 27 July
1859, forwarding copy of the despatch and draft reply, and
requesting that they be communicated to the Admiralty.
Documents enclosed with the main document (transcribed)
Sir,
I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor that
a serious disturbance took place yesterday amongst the Northern Indians at present
sojourning here.
The Queen Charlotte Islanders (Hyders & Fort Simpson Indians were the principal tribes
engaged.
The following is a statement of the result.
- Hyder 4 men Killed
- “ 2 Women Killed
- “ 6 Killed
- “ 3 men wounded badly
- Total 9 Killed and wounded
- Fort Simpson 2 Men wounded
- 1 Woman wounded
Total
3 wounded none killed
I have not yet ascertained correctly the cause of dispute, but I was told it commenced
between two individuals of the hostile tribes; others joined and at last the whole
body of Indianswere in 
were in arms. The fight commenced about oClock P.M. Almost immediately afterwards
I was informed of it & proceeded to the spot with all the police I could then muster.
were in arms. The fight commenced about oClock P.M. Almost immediately afterwards
I was informed of it & proceeded to the spot with all the police I could then muster.Upon reaching the ground I found the white people in great danger from the random
shots of the Indians. Who were firing in a skirmishing manner from different points
amongst the stumps and brushwood, & also from the several camps, thereafter falling
in every direction. One white man was wounded in the arm.
The police warned the white population to keep back: and then hastening forward to
the respective camps of the belligerent, in a short time induced them to give over
firing. At this time I saw three Hyder badly wounded. One Fort Simpson Indian also
had received a ball in his leg. We then proceeded to the other side of Rock Bay from whence nine Fort Simpson Indians were firing directly into the centre of the
Hyder Camp on the opposite bank of the bay: and being sheltered by large trees they
were able to do great execution
execution without receiving much injury themselves. I ordered these men to cease firing
and brought them back to their camp. Shortly afterwards I arranged with the respective
Chiefs to defer their quarrel till Monday, on which day they have promised to attend
at the police court that inquiry into the matter may be instituted.
execution without receiving much injury themselves. I ordered these men to cease firing
and brought them back to their camp. Shortly afterwards I arranged with the respective
Chiefs to defer their quarrel till Monday, on which day they have promised to attend
at the police court that inquiry into the matter may be instituted.I did not deem it prudent to make any arrests with a small police force— say 10 men—
armed only with batons, where there were some 2000 mediumexcited Indians, equipped with every kind of offensive weapon— blunderbusses, long & short
muskets, single and double muskets, single and double barrelled rifles, fowling pieces;
revolvers & pistols from every nation: pikes, swords, bayonets, dirks, daggars, and
knives of every form size & shape. They are also said to have in their possession
a [???] brass cannon.
I have to observe that many complaints have lately been made that the Indians draw
their knives and pull out their pistols upon the slightest provocation. I would therefore
respectfully suggest the propriety of disarming
disarming them.
disarming them.To disarm the Indians, the Northern only it would be necessary to place cannon on
the heights-commanding their camps & surround them in such manner with soldiery as
the military and naval authorities, in conjunction with his Excellency the Governor
might think fit. If such a display as this were made I have little doubt they would
give up their arrows on demand; receiving cards with numbers on them, duplicates of
which should be written on paper & stuck with gum on each musket so as it was handed
to the police to be stored in one of the new cells at the police barrack, until the
Indians left Victoria or were towed away towards their homes. Then each article should be returned to its
owner, on production of the ticket before handed to him by the police.
If some such steps as these are not taken without delay, there will no doubt be a
great deal of blood shed; this being the second time since the arrival of the Queen
Charlotte Indians that the police have had to interfere. And
And had we not come up yesterday at the time we did, the havoc would have been very
great as we found the Belbella & Sticken tribes preparing to join the dispute with
knives, in a hand to hand encounter.
And had we not come up yesterday at the time we did, the havoc would have been very
great as we found the Belbella & Sticken tribes preparing to join the dispute with
knives, in a hand to hand encounter.The importance of the subject will plead my excuse for writing on Sunday. I apprehend
further disturbance tomorrow.
I have the honor to remain
Sir
Your most Obt humble Servt
[???]Augustus F. Pemberton
Commissioner of Police
Sir
Your most Obt humble Servt
[???]Augustus F. Pemberton
Commissioner of Police
William A.G. Young Esqr
Sitting Colonial Scay.
Sitting Colonial Scay.
People in this document
Fortescue, 1st Baron Carlingford Chichester
Lytton, Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer