10 CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE DISCOVERY

tection of the ship, which may be moored within 30 yards of the mine, and the
enclosure together, the miners may pursue their labours without danger or
molestation, and the Indians, seeing the strength of your position, will be
restrained from further aggression. Such is an outline of our plans, and it is
left to your own good judgment to carry it out in the manner circumstances
may render advisable.

“ The force at your disposal must necessarily be divided into several parties,
some being required to remain on board the ship, others as sentinels on shore,
and the remainder will be disposable for mining, which we propose should be
carried on in the following manner :—The vein of gold, about 80 feet long, will
be divided into sections of eight or ten feet, and one such section be given to
two men, who will drill the holes under the directions of Mr. Greggor, who is
engaged specially to superintend the mining department, and will charge and
set. off all the blasts, as a precaution against accidents and loss of time arising
from the awkwardness of inexperienced hands.

“ Should any other party be employed on the vein when you reach Gold
Harbour, you will require them to remove from the spot, as the place belongs
to the Hudson’s Bay Company by discovery and prior occupation, as well as by
Her Majesty’s exclusive licence of trade granted to the company.

“You may also inform the parties, if Americans, that British ships of war
are soon expected, and that they run the risk of being seized and their property
confiscated if found on any part of the British coast.

“ The vessel is victualled for six months, and disposable for that period; she
will either be relieved by the “‘ Mary Dare,” or receive a supply of stores in the
month of July next, and must on no account leave the coast before the middle
of September, should the “ Mary Dare” not arrive there sooner.

“ Should the gold vein in Mitchell Harbour be exhausted at any time before
the close of the voyage, your researches should be extended to other parts of
the coast, as it is not probable that gold exists in one place only. Douglas
Harbour is mentioned as a promising place, both from the character of the
rocks and its proximity to Mitchell’s Harbour.

“ Tt has been remarked that the veins of auriferous quartz in California inva-
riably run from S.S. E. to N. N. W., a circumstance worthy of notice, as it may
be of service in your researches on Queen Charlotte’s Island.

« You are so well acquainted with the nature of the service on the coast, and
of the great advantages resulting from obedience and subordination, that we
shall leave such matters to yourself, simply remarking that proper rules and
regulations for the government of the party should be established as soon as
possible, the men being bound by their agreement not only to obey all orders
and regulations, but to assist in putting the same in force.

« Every man should have his particular work assigned to him, and should be
employed in the department of the work where his services will be most useful.

« With reference to the agreement and other documents herewith, and wish-
ing you every success,

“TJ remain, &c.
“ John Kennedy, Esq.” (signed) « James Douglas.”

Mr. Douglas observes, “ Chief Trader Kennedy’s personal knowledge of the
Indians, and the influence he has acquired over their minds by a long series of
good offices, admirably qualifies him for the work, and will be of the utmost
advantage to the expedition, as conciliating and tending to prevent fatal affrays
with the natives, which are at once contrary to our general policy, and dis-
tasteful to the Governor and committee.

The vessel is victualled for six months, and further supplies of stores and
provisions will be sent on, from time to time, as required, it being our inten-
tion to keep a party constantly on the spot until other means are taken to
oceupy the country.

«There not being time to make out by this mail a copy of my report to the
Governor and Council of the 16th instant, I beg to refer you to the following
extract from that communication, which fully explains our views and plans in
regard to Queen Charlotte’s Island.

“+ Not being prepared at present to build an establishment on Queen Char-
lotte’s Island, from want of the proper description of men and of efficient officers

to conduct them, and it being moreover not considered advisable to undertake
so

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