No. 33

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Grace's despatch No 11 of the
10th February last having reference to the illicit supply of spirits by the Masters of Trading Vessels to the Indians on the North West Coast of British Columbia.

2. The large extent of coast, with its inlets and bays,
uninhabited by white people; the numerous Islands lying off
it forming intricate channels and hiding places, afford I
am sorry to say very great facilities for this iniquitous
traffic, the profits of which are so large as to induce the
unscrupulous readily to incur the risk of capture and
conviction. The vile spirit that is sold to the Indian is
the origin of nearly all the trouble we have with them,
and for years past my anxious attention has been given to
intercept the trade. To put a stop to it altogether would
require a Fleet of Revenue Vessels constantly cruizing on
the coast, but I believe with the limited means at command
the traffic has been reduced to a minimum.

3. HM Ship Devastation has but just returned
from a cruize on the coast upon which she was sent by
Commodore Spencer at my requisition, and I am happy to say that through
the energy of Commander Pike three vessels have been seized
and condemned, and a large quantity of pure alchohol and
manufactured spirits confiscated.

4. I enclose herewith for your Grace's information a
copy of Commander Pike's Report of proceedings and I would
take this opportunity of representing to your Grace that
this is the second occasion upon which Commander Pike has
rendered good service to the Colony in a manner which marks
him as an intelligent persevering and most judicious Officer.