The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Brig William
The William, 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 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.