, 1860-08-17


Bean, and the dlledged murders Of LeiOi'
Spear and John Black.
EDITOR PIONEER AND DEMocRAT:--
In your issue of the 10th, you state in
your article on Northern Indians, that |
have been engaged in investigating the
matter of Spear and Black, and other oc-
currances Of similar character, where
murders have been committed, attended
with circumstances which leave no doubt
of Northern Indians being connected with
these matters. As the result Of my inves-
legations may be of interest to our citizens,
| will, in as brief manner as possible, detail
the circumstances
Ny attention was first called to the case
of the two schooners, by Capt Hare of the
Schooner COl. Ebey, of this place, who in
formed me of the statement Of an Indian
witness before Judge Pemberton, in Vic.
toria, an account Of which has already
been published. The result Of the informa-
ton which was first given in the Register,
has been the visit Of Mr.. Anderson, the U
S. Dist Attorney, to Victoria, and the sub.
sequent sending of requisiion by the Act.
ting Governor Of this Territory to the an-
thorites of Vuncouver's Island, for the ar
rest of the Indians supposed to be partici-
pators in the affair
Both the mission of the District Attor-
ney and the U. S. special marshal, have
been unsuccessful in obtaining the Indians;
but have, at least, been effective in bring
ing out more evidence in relation to the uf-
fair, that fixes the guilt upon parties be
longing to the Hyder tribe, who are still
residing in Victoria. 1t does not appear
that the Indians attemptt to conceal the fact,
on the contrary, l am informed that Jim,
who appears TO be the principal offender,
asked my informant eff the Bostous were
very angry about the schooner affair?' He
stated that he was not Airaid, for he had a
hundred dollars, and if he was put into Jail,
he could pay his hundred dollars to the
king George" people, and they would not
lei the Bostons hurt him. Other Indians
in Victoria state that the canoe which at
tackled the schooners had 10 men mud s
squaws in it; that after they had destroyed
the Blue Wing, they attacked the Ellen
Maria on the evening Of the same day 1t
was calm, and Capt. McHenrie had to
come to anchor When they first attempt.
ed to board the schooner, Capt McHenrie
ordered them off, but on their persisting
he fred and killed Jim's brother. He then
fred and wounded an old chief who was oi
the party, so badly that he never has yet
recovered from the effects Of the wound,
and is now sick at home. The Indians then
left, but at night again returned, murdered
oil hands and burned the schooner. When
asked what became Of the woman and two
children, they denied seeing any, but said
that all were men; that they killed ten men
in ALL
are four or Eve, and perhaps more
Of this gang even now at Victoria. A
great interest has been felt among the
American residents, aud new evidence
comes out every day. Last week learn
ed that the murderer of Judge Bean, vel
known citizen, formerly Of this place, who
was found with his throat cut on Balm
bridge Island some fourteen months since
aud was afterwards buried, think, at Port
Madison, is still in Victoria. He is O
rongass Indian, and the fdther Of we'll
known squaw, known in Victoria as kate,
or Big Katy"
The rumors relative TO Jackson and Fox
who were reported to have left Port Lud
low for this place, are unfounded, so far a'
| have been able to obtain any reliable in
formation, no evidence appearing 10 show
that they are killed or lost. / understand
that both men have been seen up the
Sound.
The canoe before reported to have beer
found with unmistakabe marks Of violence
upon her, l have ascertoined left Utsaads
with two men, Black and Spear in her
bound to Orcas Island. They were IN
doubtedly killed by the party Of fifteen Hy
ders, who were seen and reported by som,
parties from Port Gamble, as being be
tween Marrowstone point and WILDLY
Island. A party Of fifteen Hyders wer,
seen shortly after, within dny or two, a
near as | can ascertain,) on O.cas Island
where one of them was seen by Mr.. Beale
with double barreed gun which he il
positive, ho tells me, was one that belonged
to Black. The presumption, therefore, j
livery strong, thai that party were the mur
derers Of Spear and Black.
} There have been various rumors aAoa
here respecting these last two murders, am
as usual, exaggerated tales have been told
To satisfy myself, however, | determines
to make thorough search between thi
place and Port Ludlow, and having obtain
ed the necessary papers from Mr.. Justic
, Ssavy. proceeded in the frst cutter Of III
: U. S. steamship Massachusetts, with MI
Francis Dawson, the ID officer Of the ship
aud five men, armed. took With me tn
Duke of York" chief the Claim tribe, +
aid in discovering any Indian signs.
searched the whole shore line minutely anC
thoroughly, but found nothing to warran
a belief that any Northern Indians wer
lurking about. The LIST officer oil the ship
; in the me ntime, had proceeded along til,
, WILDLY Island shore as far as Volcano
point, but found netting.
j Capt. Fauntleroy very promptly anC
cheerfully acceeded to my request to seu,
nnt his honis which he did ON nv DrOinlsl