"The Bentinck Expedition"

The British Columbian, June 29, 1864

Mr. Brew, brother of the commander of the expedition, returned yesterday from Bentinck Arm, and brings news of considerable importance. The Sutlej reached the Arm on Saturday the 18th, and the party debarked on the following day. At the head of the Arm they met five of the McDonald party who had escaped; the others, three in number, are supposed to have been murdered by the Indians. The party were on their way to Benshee Lake with a pack train partly loaded when they were set upon by a number of Chillcooten Indians, said to be about 30 in number, and to include several of the Bute Inlet murderers, and five only were known to have survived, two of whom were badly wounded. The last that was seen of McDonald he was taking aiming with his revolver at Tellot, the chief who acted a prominent part in the Bute massacre. It is just possible that he may have escaped; but as nothing further was heard of him up to the sailing of the Beaver, there is every reason to fear that the brave fellow has fallen too. It appears the Indians came on Bella Coola River with the avowed determination to kill every white man they met. Mr. Hamilton and family effected their escape in a canoe, arriving at the Arm in safety. The party under Mr. Brew were pushing forward, and had arrived at a point about 30 miles out. His Excellency Governor Seymour was with them, but was not quite decided as to whether he would proceed through. A party of marines were to be sent on to assist. A party of Bella Coola Indians had been equipped for the same purpose. Admiral Kingcome was on board the Sutlej awaiting advices from His Excellency. It is useless to indulge in speculation as to the result of this expedition We can only hope for the best and wait for further intelligence. We hope, in any case, His Excellency will not unnecessarily expose himself to the treachery of the red skins.