No. 39

I have the honor to forward copy of a Statement given on
the Authority of Mr Duncan respecting the murder of one Indian
Constable and the wounding of others by the Master and crew of
the Sloop "Random." Mr Duncan has had as a Missionary more
success than anyone else on this coast in civilizing the Indians,
and this affair is extremely to be regretted. It will, I fear,
create a strong feeling against the Whites.

Admiral Denman has
despatched a gun boat in pursuit of the "Random" and I have sent
a surgeon to attend on the wounded men. I made an application
to the Governor of Vancouver's Island to assist in the apprehension
of Jackson, and the other murderers, should they visit the Colony
under his Government. I have likewise made a formal demand on
the Governor of Washington Territory for the surrender of the murderers.

The Governor of the Russian possessions has also been
written to and I have formal applications ready to be sent to
the Governors of Oregon, Idaho and California.