8 CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE DISCOVERY

Harbour, but had no time to examine it. I am sorry to inform you that we
were obliged to leave off blasting, and quit the place for Fort Simpson, on
account of the annoyance we experienced from the natives. They arrived in
large numbers, say 30 canoes, and were much pleased to see us on our first
arrival. When they saw us blasting and turning out the gold in such large
quantities, they became excited and commenced depredations on us, stealing
the tools, and taking at least one-half of the gold that was thrown out by the
blast. They would lie concealed until the report was heard, and then make a
rush for the gold; a regular scramble between them and our men would take
place ; they would take our men by the legs, and hold them away from the
gold. Some blows were struck on these occasions. The Indians drew their
knives on our men often. The men who were at work at the vein became com-
pletely tired and disgusted at their proceedings, and came to me on three
different occasions and told me that they would not remain any longer to work
the gold; that their time was lost to them, as the natives took one-half of the
gold thrown out by the blast, and blood would be shed if they continued to
work at the digging ; that our force was not strong or large enough to work
and fight also. They were aware they could not work on shore after hostility
had commenced, therefore I made up my mind to leave the place, and proceed
to this place.

“The natives were very jealous of us when they saw that we could obtain
gold by blasting ; they had no idea that so much could be found below the
surface ; they said that it was not good that we should take all the gold away ;
if we did so, that they would not have anything to trade with other vessels
should any arrive. In fact, they told us to be off. The chiefs have no power
over the lower orders, and of course cannot prevent them from plundering or
committing any act of violence on strangers. I will refer you to Mr. Greggor
for information regarding the vein, &c., at the diggings, as he seems to have a
good idea of the rock, and how the work should be carried on; he has behaved
well, and was very zealous at his work.

“The men said they should go again in the spring, if an expedition properly
fitted should start for working the gold in Queen Charlotte’s Island. In my
a opinion, should another expedition go to Queen Charlotte’s Island, a force of
| at least 80 men would be required, with two officers to attend the land party ;
the ship also should have three officers besides the captain, which I can prove

i by experience during our late visit to the gold district. The ship’s crew, as well
I as the land party, should go on shares of the gold that may be collected, as it
3 would prevent any one from trading gold; we had considerable trouble during

our stay at the island, to prevent the people from trading the ore. The natives
; . brought a quantity of gold to me, which I traded, and now forward it tovether
: with that which we obtained by blasting ourselves.

“Very little, if any, gold will be obtained in Queen Charlotte’s Island, except
| by blasting. It appears to me, that some of the gold I traded was obtained

in some other place than that which we were at. They, however, said that they
had discovered gold in no other place than in Mitchell’s Harbour ; this report
I much doubt, as the lumps are solid, and different from any other that we
found at the place we were at work on.
| “We have discovered, and proved by this voyage, that gold is to be found
. in quantities at Mitchell’s Harbour alone to pay an expedition to go there and
work it. [had no opportunity of examining the country much, as we remained
| but 15 days, during which time I was occupied with the Indians, as no one on
board except myself could speak to them. We had had some boisterous
/ weather during the time also. I saw no place where we could build a fort
; anywhere near the diggings. The shores near the sea and harbours are bold,
jj steep rocks down to the water’s edge.
~ ** Provisions will be found scarce at Mitchell’s Harbour; no deer on the
island, and fish appear to be very scarce, as they cannot catch them on the
outside of the island, except during a calm, or a north-east wind. Potatoes can
be had in large quantities from the Skiddigats tribe, who reside on the east
side of the island, but can reach the diggings in two days travel in the summer
season.
‘Should a fort be built, ora ship remain at the diggings for a length of time,
a large number of Indians would collect and reside near at hand, and give
annoyance. Therefore, a large force of men would be required for protection,
i) and

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