Seymour to Elliot (Assistant Under-Secretary)

I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 27
ultimo, enclosing a communication from Sir Edmund Head
 relating to the introduction of spirituous liquors among the
Indians on the Peace River and Athabasca District.

It is not stated by what route the spirits are conveyed,
but I presume that they are smuggled from Victoria to the North
 West coast of British Columbia & conveyed by the Stickeen
& Peace Rivers to the Hudson's Bay territory. It is difficult
to prevent this traffic as the [bounds?]

of the former river is
in the Russian territory. The whiskey smuggling is however
carried on to a fearful extent along the whole coast, & I can
only suggest the occasional visit of a ship of war. I believe that
the recent cruise of Her Majesty's ship "Clio" will be productive
of much good.

I do not know if any action could be taken in the matter by
the Legislature of Vancouver Island, from which colony the whiskey
is exported.