No. 46

I have received your despatch No. 39 of the 3rd May, transmitting a
Resolution passed by the Legislative Council of British Columbia, in
which Her Majesty's Government are requested, for the reasons therein
stated, to bear one half of the expenses incurred in the recent
expeditions against the Chilicoten Indians.

I am aware that the Colony has been subjected to a serious
expenditure on account of the pursuit of the murderers of the road
Makers at Bute Inlet. But, at whatever cost, the expedition was
demanded as an act of retributive justice and as being needful for the
safety of all persons who might be engaged hereafter in similar
undertakings. It is gratifying to know that complete success attended
the labors of the party which accompanied you, and that no accounts have
reached you of further outrages on the part of the Indians in any
quarter of your government.

The cost of the expedition must, however, fall upon the Colony. I
cannot admit that Her Majesty's Government are, in any sense responsible
for that expense, and it is not in my power to hold out a hope that any
part of it can be defrayed out of funds to be voted for that purpose by
the Imperial Parliament.