The Williams Lake Petition

North Pacific Times, December 21, 1864

The following reply of the Governor to the petition for protection against the Indians, sent down by the settlers at
Williams Lake, appeared in the Government Gazette of last Saturday.

Government House
16th December, 1864

The Governor has directed his reply to the petition from the settlers about Williams Lake, for protection against the Chilicoten Indians, to be published.

D. C. MAUNSELL.

Government House
New Westminster,
10th December, 1864

Gentleman: - I have had the honor to receive, this morning, your petition praying that steps may be taken to protect the
inhabitants of Cariboo West, against an anticipated attack by the Chilicoten Indians.

It has been known to me for some time that three Indians, convicted of murder, who escaped from Williams Lake Gaol in 1863, were at large in your neighbourhood, and orders were given secretly, but without a moment's delay, for the purpose of arresting them. The necessary measures to secure this object are probably now in course of execution.

I do not in any degree share your alarms, as regards the Chilicoten Indians, but I am willing to take the proper steps to
relieve your anxiety.

I, this morning, forward a Commission appointing Mr. Louis Everard (who has been strongly recommended to me) to be a Justice of the Peace. By the same opportunity will be sent to Mr. Gaggin a dedimus protestatum to swear in Mr. Everard. This gentleman once appointed a Magistrate will have power to swear in any of you as special constables. Mr.
Manson, of Alexandria, will be authorized to supply, on the requisition of Mr. Everard, such rifles, revolvers, and ammunition as may be necessary to quiet the present alarm.

Mr. Cox has the direction of the arrangements making for the apprehension of the runaway convicts, and I hope that you will, one and all of you, give him such assistance as he may require.

Mr. Cox has been authorized to offer a reward for the apprehension of the Indian murderers.

A credit on the Quesnelmouth branch of the Bank of British Columbia is opened in favour of Mr. Everard for two hundred pounds.

I have, &c.
FREDERICK SEYMOUR.

Edward Park, Esq.
and the Inhabitants of Cariboo West.