A Desperate Indian Uprising in British Columbia

Victoria, B.C.,- July 14- The The steamer Cariboo Fly arrived from the north-to-day and brought news that an Indian had arrived at Port Burlington with intelligence that Mr. Clifford the Hudson Bay Company’s agent had been killed, and that the Indians were looking to Hazelton from all quarters. The special officers and limited white population of Hazelton were entrenched in the Hudson Bay Company’s store. and no reliable news has reached the coast concerning their fate. Considering the bad character the Indians bear there is every reason to fear that the threats to exterminate the whites may have been carried out. The river is extremely high and overland communication, over rough trails is the only means of travel.

Orders were received by the commandant of “Q” battery, Col. Holmes to prepare his whole force for service and everything is being yet in readiness for their departure on Monday, on the war ship Caroline. Superintendent Boycraft and a number of special police will accompany the expedition. Arriving at the Skeena’s mouth, canoes will be taken to the canyon fifty miles from Hazelton, which will be made a base of operations and half the force will penetrate as far as possible. If fighting occurs all the force will be brought up and serious work may be expected. The country to be traveled is mountainous and wooded the banks of the river being very high. The Indians are first-class shots and will make a bloodthirsty resistance. About two thousand Indians live on the river and they are all in a high state of excitement. If necessary, the local militia will also be forwarded north.

source: The Sunday Oregonian
location: Portland, Oregon