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Richard Hicks. 15

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The Spuzzum Bridge*® is already erected by private enterprise,
and proves to be a good substantial structure; the amount saved to
the Government will be about five hundred dollars.

I herewith enclose a list of names of parties, applicants for land
for Agricultural purposes, much attention is being turned towards
Farming, and next year will prove that British Columbia can grow
sufficient for her own consumption.*4

We have not had a dry day now for upwards of a week and
every branch of Trade looks gloomy—the damp in the tent has caused
me a very severe cold. I shall be in my new Office tomorrow.

I must respectfully apologize for the manner in which my letters
are written; in future they will be forwarded cleaner and freer from
blots. I cannot help myself on the present occasion.

I have the honor to be
Your Excellency’s
Most obt. Hble. Servt.

Ricwarp Hicks,

Assistant Crown Commissioner.
Fort Vale, Nov. 12th, 1858,

To His Excellency Governor Douglas.
May ir prease Your Excennency :

I have seen today an Advertisment in. the Victoria Newspaper
from McGowen’s party on Hill’s Bar condemning my conduct, etc.*®

I feel assured Your Excellency will treat it with all the contempt
it deserves, nevertheless. I have substituted Office McLane for Officer
Hickson, who was and now is with Mr. Justice Perrier on Hill’s Bar.

As Officer Hickson** attended me the whole of the day I was
measuring the ground, he can and no doubt will state the true facts.

I am, Sir, ashamed to be so constantly brought to notice by my
public conduct. I beg, however, to assure Your Excellency that my
conduct altho’ displeasing to some is approved by the many. There

are men here who call themselves Americans that are a disgrace to |

civilized society, and I defy any officer in power to satisfy their
grasping propensities.

(43) The bridge over Spuzzum Creek. This would seem to have been built by Franklin Way,
who in October, 1859, obtained the right to collect, for a period of six Months, twenty-five cents
from each person crossing it.

(44) In response to this demand for agricultural land, Governor Douglas, on January 4, 1860,
issued the first pre-emption Proclamation.

(45) There was no advertisement in the Victoria paper. What Mr. Hicks alludes to is the
account of the miners’ meeting which appeared in the Victoria Gazette, November 6, 1858, at
wich resolutions were passed roundly and soundly condemning him. ee notes (14) ana (24),
ante,

(46) The police officer at Hill’s Bar. He is one of the central figures in the subsequent
trouble known as the ‘‘ Ned McGowan War.”’ 5 "

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