Pollock to Cardwell

In reading the inclosed Massacre of Scotch Settlers by Indians
in British Columbia and finding the name of my son Robert Pollock
among the slain I fear he is one of the Number. He left this in
August 1853 along with a Mr John Smith and Family to South Astralia
[Australia] he being then 16 years of age, and was with them 2 years
when he left for the Gold Diggings. We heard of him being on several
of the gold fields in South Astralia but not from himself untill last
Feby I received a letter from him Dated 2nd December 1863
Victoria Vancouver Island—in it he stated that he wrote me last
April that he was going to the Cariboo Mines and expected an answer
from Me when he came down in the fall, the letter not Coming to Land,
he did not receive the expected answer. He then wrote the letter
mentioned, which I answered on the 16th of Feby last and was
expecting an answer from him about this time.

I having no person there to apply to I ask this favour at your
hand as Secretary to the Colonies if in your power to furnish me with
any further information about the matter.