No. 87

In consequence of information having reached me of the wreck of
a Bark named "John Bright" supposed to belong to Coquimbo and
sailing under the Chilian Flag, near Nootka Sound on the West
Coast of Vancouver Island, and the supposed murder of her crew
by Indians, I thought it well to cause some investigation to be
made at the scene of the alleged outrages.

2. On my requisition, the Senior Naval Officer at Esquimalt
despatched Her Majesty's Ship "Sparrowhawk," Commander Mist
R.N. and J.P. to convey Mr Ball, Police Magistrate of New
Westminster to Nootka Sound. I have now the honor to report
that the "Sparrowhawk" has returned.

3. The bodies of some of the crew had been buried on the shore;

they were exhumed by order of the Magistrates. A Coroner's
Inquest was held and the Jury returned a verdict of Murder
against two Indians, who have been brought down to Victoria.

4. The Magistrates experienced the utmost difficulty in
obtaining Information from the Indians. There is however little
doubt but that the crew were drowned in their attempts to gain
the land, except one man, and a woman. These two reached the
shore where they were murdered by the Indians.

5. The Assizes are to be held on the 27th Instant, when the
two prisoners will be tried. As soon as the result is known I
will forward a further Statement in regard to this affair.