Panning for Gold

Faces of the Gold Rush

What's the meaning?

You be the Judge...

Thompson River First Nations

FORT YALE, BRITISH COLUMBIA,
June 3rd, 1859.

SIR,--Perhaps you are not aware that much of the discontent and stampede from this Country or from the upper part of Fraser River is on account of the incapacity of the Officials at the Forks and Lytton City. Your instructions are not carried out. Tyranny and oppression are practiced to the utmost extent. The Country can never be developed under such men as Mr. Trevailott. According to miners' statements made to me, is that when application is made for water for fluming or mining purposes they are charged a fee of one pound ten shillings for recording, and then only a limited quantity of water, which deprived other miners working on the same or adjoining ground. Miners cannot afford to cut ditches miles long without a sufficiency of water to sell to repay them for the immense outlay. The consequence is the flats cannot he worked; the mines lay dormant; the revenue suffers severely; hence the disaffection and stampede (59)

No men from any Country will be satisfied to stay in the mines unless practical men are appointed over them as rulers. Mr. Travellott is a man of gross intemperance. Mr. Townsand, a very respectable man residing here, told me a few days ago that Mr. Travelliott was lying on the ground in his cabin unable to speak or take care of himself ; his officers also, three in number, were in the same condition. This is not the only instance he has been found in the same plight. I think it my duty to inform Your Excellency because you are blamed publicly for keeping such a man in office, and I would gladly avoid the Newspapers getting hold of the facts. No such man can have the goodwill and confidence of those around him; in fact, he ought to be a good example to his fellow-creatures.(60)

Another circumstance I will mention. Mr. Travillott has appointed a notorious highway robber of the narne of Brown to the office of Policeman. This man was committed to Fort Yale for robbery and attempt at murder last November. The prosecutor, however, was, I believe, drowned in February last; hence the felon escaped.(61)

I could fill pages of such complaints against Mr. Travillott. Your Excellency requires no more than what I have stated to convince you how business is carried on above here.

I would most strongly recommend an Englishman to the Office at Lytton, one acquainted with mining and that can and will command respect. Your Excellency will, instead of blame, receive the thanks of the community.

The fees charged by Justice of the Peace require your serious consideration. The charges are most cruel; justice is frustrated by such imposition. The fees in Fort Yale alone must amount to many thousand dollars per annum. Mr. Whannell's office must be more lucrative than the Governor of the Colony. He little remembers his own condition when he kept a low liquor-shop at Shaw's Flat, California, or he would pity poor miners instead of exacting from their industry to keep him in luxury.I must beg to apologise for these remarks which I am sure Your Excellency will excuse.

I would at all times sooner complain to you right out than through Newspapers--this at all times is the proper course.

(Sgd.) RICHARD HICKS.

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