Colonial Despatches

Sir F. Rogers
I do not see that anything need be added to the despatch of the 17 Oct. to Govr Douglas respecting his conduct & that of the Colonists towards the Indians in V.C. Isd. Ack. rect & express the thanks of the S. of S. for the assistance rendered by the Rear Admiral on this occasion, & for the judicious conduct of himself & his Officers employed.

Sir F. Rogers
This paper has just been sent down to me amongst others reserved for the Duke of Newcastle's return. I am not myself aware of any objection to answering in the manner proposed by Mr Blackwood.

I annex a draft. Capt. Richards inability to get back from the Indians a woman captured by them, witht paying a ransom shews how much easier it is to frame schemes for enforcing English Law than to do it, however roughly.

Draft, Rogers to Secretary to the Admiralty, 26 November 1860, acknowledging the valuable assistance rendered by the naval officers.

Baynes to Secretary to the Admiralty, No. 152, 10 September 1860, forwarding copy of a letter from Captain G.W. Richards and discussing measures needed to control "the Indians at Fort Rupert." Transcribed below.

Richards to Baynes, 17 August 1860, reporting his proceedings at Fort Rupert, his conversation with the Indigenous peoples there, and his efforts to obtain the release of a woman captured from "the Nanaimo Tribe."

Baynes to Douglas, 4 September 1860, forwarding an extract from Richards' report and suggesting stiffer penalties for selling liquor to the Indigenous population, and also the importance of locating magistrates in the remote settled areas.

John Dolholt, captain of the schooner Victoria Packet, to Richards, 6 August 1860, asking for his assistance in securing the release of the woman "Hoo-saw-eye," who was his wife's mother.

Affidavit of William Isbister, dated Nanaimo, 6 August 1860, giving an account of the abduction of "Hoo-saw-eye" by Indigenous peoples at Fort Rupert.

I have to request that you will lay before my Lords &c of the Admy the copy of a letter dated 17 Aug last which I have received from Captn Richards of the Plumper relative to the Indians at Fort Rupert at the North end of Vancouver Island; togethertogether with a copy of my letter to the Govr, enclosing an extract from that report.

2. The principal, indeed almost only cause, of Indian disturbances in the present day is the facility with which Spirits of the most deleterious, and worst kind, can be procured to any amount from White people.

3. I do not think that the penalty enacted by the Colony is sufficiently severe, to this I have drawn the Governor’s attention & suggested that some disgraceful punishment shouldshould be added.

4) I have also thought it necessary to bring to his notice three, or four places where I am of opinion Magistrates should be placed. They would have the power of seizing & checking the sale of spirits, & summarily punishing the offender. They would be the means of keeping order amongst the Setters, & would be a protection for the Indian against the Whiteman, who is generally the agressor.

5) The Governor appears reluctant to adopt this measure nono [???] from good reason, but I am sure, it would be attended with essential benefit to the Colony.
At present an offender must be brought to Victoria, the distance is great, & the means of communication very uncertain.
Last year I had occasion to forward an extract from a letter from Captn Richards from Navarino, reporting a gross outrage committed on an Indian where arm was broken by a man belonging to the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Attorney General was instructed to enquire into the case, but before this could could be done the parties had dispersed and the Attorney Genr could not find sufficient ground for a charge.
At this time there was no Magistrate at Navarino.
I pointed out strongly the want of me, & about two months since a Gen Lu was sent up.

6). The Governor thinks a Vessel of War stationed in those parts the best method of maintaining order.
The occasional presence of me no doubt does much good, but I see no necessity for having me constantly there. TheThe Comr Officer can of course quel outrage, prevent any disturbance, in fact give protection whenever it may be required but he has no control whatever over the Settlers. A vessel now, & then showing herself for the purpose of upholding the Civil Power would enable the Magistrate to act with [???], & decision.