Elwyn to The Colonial Secretary of Vancouver Island

British Columbia
William's Lake
Dec. 17th 1862

The Colonial Secretary
Victoria V.I.

Sir,

I have the honour to report that I have received a communication from Williams Creek of the 10th [[abb.]]inst.[[/]]. Up to that date snow had fallen on the creek to the depth of only four inches, & four companies, The Black Jack Tunnel, The Canadian, The Barker & The Diller & Currie, were sluicing their claims [yielding?] well, particularly those of the Black Jack Tunnel Company.

The small-pox has been raging amongst the Indians throughout the District (with the exception of Williams Lake). At Beaver Lake nearly fifty have fallen victims & one Indian now represents the tribe.

In a few instances white men have been attacked, but only in two cases fatally. The only medical man in the District is most unfortunately living on Williams Creek, & the sufferers can obtain no reliable advice.

I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
T. Elwyn [two illegible words]
Alexandria District