Cardwell to Seymour, No. 52

1 December 1864

I duly received your Despatch No. 37 of the 9th of September, and perused with much interest your detailed account of the expeditions deigned to obtain the surrender of the Chilicoten Indians who murdered Mr. Waddington's Road Party. I have since received your Despatch No. 58 of the 7th of October in which you describe the further proceedings of Mr. Brew and of the party of New Westminster Volunteers who acted under his orders, and announce their safe return.

The readiness of all the Volunteers on this occasion to enter upon so arduous a service for the good of their fellow Colonists does them high credit. I need hardly say that I appreciate the gallantry and devotion to the public interest which led you to share the dangers and privations of one of the two parties of Volunteers; and laudable as was the steadiness and fortitude displayed by them I cannot doubt that they must have been most valuably encouraged by your presence in their Camp.

It is my earnest hope that the triumph of the Europeans over the difficulties of this expedition into an Indian County, and the consequent surrender of some of the persons accused of the previous murders may produce a salutary impression and conduce to the public safety.

I have etc.