Return of the Chilacoten Expedition

The British Columbian, October 8, 1864

The Hon. Chartres Brew and his party arrived on Thursday, having shipped on board H.M. gunboat Grappler at Bella Coola. As the gunboat steamed into port there was a general rush to the wharf, and as she came alongside “three cheers for Mr. Brew and party” were called for by Capt. Cooper, and given with a hearty good will by the concourse of people on the wharf. Then followed the usual congratulations, and right warmly were those noble fellows welcomed back to New Westminster. They all looked rugged and well, even Mr. Brew looking less thin and haggard than we were led to expect. They brought with them a Bella Bella Indian, charged with being concerned in the murder of Holmes in 1862. He is lodged in jail, and will probably be tried at the approaching Assizes.

Mr. Brew’s movements, subsequent to leaving Benshee Lake, are barren of incident. The Chief of the Western branch of the Chilacoten tribe, Anaheim, surrendered unconditionally at Nacoontloon and restored the horses and all the other property taken from the white men. As Anaheim and the men about him had not been actually engaged in any of the massacres, Mr. Brew pardoned them. This Chief appears well disposed towards the Government and has engaged to secure the remainder of the fugitives in the spring and deliver them up to justice.

The expedition may now be considered at an end. And while everyone will regret that the practical results of an undertaking which must have cost considerably over $100,000 are so meagre, yet it is matter of great thanfulness that it has been attended with no sacrifice of life. Mr. Brew and his party have not only undergone a very great amount of hardship, but they have been frequently exposed to imminent danger. Mr. Brew has repeatedly, detached from the main party, and accompanied only by a handful of men, made incursions into a wild country, never before penetrated by a white man, and has, for days, been exposed to the clandestine attacks of a savage foe. Ever foremost where danger and privation were to be encountered, he has been reduced to subsisting for days upon roots and berries. It is, therefore, with more than ordinary feeling that we welcome back the brave commander of the expedition and the noble lot of volunteers who have so faithfully and efficiently served under him.