Colonial Despatches

The william_brigWilliam, as noted in this correspondence, was a British Brig that was wrecked near Barkley Sound on January 1, 1854. Captain John McIntosh, thought to be intoxicated at the time, perished in the wreck. The 14 survivors were taken to Sooke under the guide of aboriginals.1

The wreck of the william_brigWilliam and the subsequent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding it led to the creation by Governor Douglas of a Vice Admiralty Court and the appointment of David Cameron as acting judge. It was later determined that Douglas did not have the authority to establish a Vice Admiralty Court.

• 1. http://www.cimorelli.com/cgi-bin/magellanscripts/ship_bio1.asp?ShipName=William.