3-011-753 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The boats of H.M.S. Sutlej and Devastation attacking an Indian village in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Lieutenant Edward C. Hall. 'The British squadron...has lately been employed in chastising the Indian tribes...for some acts of piracy committed by them...Mr. Hankin...landed at the first native village they reached, in hopes of persuading the Indians to come to a parley or "waw-waw." But the village was deserted by its inhabitants...The Sutlej...stopped in front of the village...A native was seen there vehemently gesticulating as the ship drew near to the shore, and exclaiming, probably, at the loss of the canoes. Mr. Hankin...made him a prisoner, believing him to be one of the murderers, and brought him safe on board...After a "waw-waw" of nearly two hours they sent back a refusal to give up either. The Sutlej then came in and opened fire upon the village, which was soon knocked to pieces; but, to ensure its total destruction, Lieutenant Talbot, with boats, was sent in to set the huts on fire and bring away the canoes. In a few minutes the village was in flames and eleven canoes were towed off to the ship, the Indians firing but a few shots at Lieutenant Talbot's boat'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.