No. 77

With reference to my Despatch of the 8th Instant,
No. 68 acquainting you of the disturbed state of Fort Yale
in consequence of the opposition which Mr Whannell, Justice
of the Peace for that District, had experienced in the
discharge of his duties, I have the honor to inform you that
I have since received a letter from Mr Perrier, Justice of
the Peace for the District of Hill's Bar, explanatory of his
conduct in issuing a process for the arrest of Mr Whannell.

2. I forward herewith for your information a copy of
the said communication, which you will perceive in no way
exonerates Mr Perrier from the charge of illegal and
discourteous interference with the duties of a Brother
Magistrate, nor does it contain any satisfactory explanation
of his extraordinary proceedings in the case.

3. Mr Perrier has in consequence, been suspended from
the exercise of his functions as a Justice of the Peace, and
he will not be re-instated, unless the Lieutenant Governor,

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who will investigate the case, should make a report in favour
of his being allowed to continue in office.

4. The whole disturbance appears more to have arisen from the
imprudent step taken by Mr Perrier, than from any illegal
act or disorderly conduct on the part of the people.

5. I have not received any tidings from the Lieutenant
Governor, since his departure from Fort Langley. It is
reported that the progress of the River Steamer which
conveyed his party had been impeded by the ice.

6. I mentioned in my before named Despatch my
intention of sending a re-inforcement to assist the
Lieutenant Governor. On the necessary requisition being
made to Captain Prevost, of the Satellite, the Senior Naval
Officer present at Vancouver's Island, the Plumper was
despatched on the morning of the 10th Instant with a
force of 50 Seamen and Marines to Fort Langley, where she
arrived safely on the following day. The force were under
order to join the Lieutenant Governor, and to act under his
instructions as circumstances might require. Mr Brew with a
small Police force was also of the Party, so that every
precaution has been taken to preserve the tranquillity of the Country.