Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Russell, John 12 June 1855, CO 305:6, no. 7547, 71.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (2), Enclosures (untranscribed) (1).
Douglas writes to Russell to transmit a response from Stevens,
Governor of Washington Territory,on the contentious subject of the ownership of the San Juan Islands.
In the minutes, Merivale notes the situation on San Juan Island as
a little serious,and is satisfied to learn that
some war steamers were likely to visit the [northwest Pacific] coast.
The file encloses a letter from Stevens to Douglas, which argues that the
Arro Archipelagofalls within the jurisdiction of Whatcomb County, and that recent US tax-collection on San Juan Island is therefore legal.
No. 7
In my Despatch of the 18th May last I had the honor of
transmitting copy of a Report from Mr Charles Griffin, adverting to
an outrage committed by certain American citizens on the Island of San
Juan, and also a copy of a letter on that subject which I addressed to
Mr Stevens Governor of Washington Territory for the United States,to
to
which no reply had been received at the date of my Despatch. I have now
the honor of transmitting for your Lordship's information the reply of
Governor Stevens to my said communication.
to
which no reply had been received at the date of my Despatch. I have now
the honor of transmitting for your Lordship's information the reply of
Governor Stevens to my said communication.
The objects I had chiefly in view in addressing him, on that
occasion, were to ascertain if the American party had authority from the
Federal Officers, for their proceedings, and if the latter were disposed
to exert the authority vested in them, by the laws of the United States
to put down evil courses, and to aid in maintaining the peace of the
country until the question of boundary is settled.
On those subjects however Governor Stevens maintains a guarded
reserve, and the whole tenor of his communication is so little explicit,
as to leave a strong impression on my mind, that the proceedings of the
American party on San Juan, were certainly not discouraged by the
Federal authorities of Washington Territory.
It
It would clearly be conducive to the best interests of this and the
neighbouring American settlements, if the Executive Authorities on both
sides would honestly unite in maintaining the peace, but I am of opinion
that no such concert can be looked for, from the authorities of the
United States, owing partly to a fear of displeasing the mob, and
perhaps in some measure to a feeling of their own strength, as
contrasted with our inferior numbers.
A county officer of Washington Territory lately made a demand on
the British inhabitants of San Juan, for an account of all their taxable
property, which they refused to render him.
I therefore think it probable that further attempts will be made to
levy taxes there, for the Territory of Washington in course of the
present year, and I apprehend further difficulties from that cause.
The Right Honble Lord John Russel [Russell]
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Her Majesty's principal Secretary of State
For the Colonial Department
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Merivale
The last desph of the 18 May on this subject has not been acted upon. It is in circulation.
The last desph of the 18 May on this subject has not been acted upon. It is in circulation.
ABd
11 Augt
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Isaac I. Stevens to Douglas, 12 May 1855, arguing that the islands
in the Arro Archipelago were deemed by an American law to fall within
the jurisdiction of Whatcomb County, and that the county sheriff was
acting on the authority vested in him by that law in attempting to
collect taxes on San Juan Island.