Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 25 June 1861, CO 305:17, no. 7743, 222.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (5), Other documents (2).
Douglas informs Newcastle that, despite the reported withdrawal of United States troops from
San Juan Island, he believes the Royal Marines stationed there should remain.
No. 40
25 June 1861
I have the honor to forward to you herewith copy of a letter I have
received from Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Maitland, the Naval Commander
in Chief, with its enclosures reporting the contemplated withdrawal
of the detachmentof
of United States Troops from the Island of San Juan.
of United States Troops from the Island of San Juan.
2. As this movement is evidently consequent upon the troubles now
existing in the Union, and not from any relinquishment of claim to
the Territory, I would submit to Her Majesty's Government that we
should continue our occupation of the Island until the question of
Sovereignty be settled, for of course we have no guarantee against
the Island being re-occupied by UnitedStates
States Troops at any moment
that they might be available for service.
States Troops at any moment
that they might be available for service.
Minutes by CO staff
Sir F. Rogers
Copy to Foreign Office with reference to our letter of the 26th Inst & acknowledge receipt referring the Govr to the despatch (going by Saturday's Mail) instructing him that the British Detachment is to be retained on the Island whether the Americans are withdrawn or not.
Copy to Foreign Office with reference to our letter of the 26th Inst & acknowledge receipt referring the Govr to the despatch (going by Saturday's Mail) instructing him that the British Detachment is to be retained on the Island whether the Americans are withdrawn or not.
EB Pennell
29-8/61
Proceed as above.
N
31
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Maitland to Douglas, 22 June 1861, forwarding correspondence relating
to the withdrawal of American troops from San Juan Island.
Captain Bazalgette, Royal Marines, to Maitland, 20 June
1861, forwarding correspondence advising of the withdrawal.
Captain Pickett, U.S. Army, to Bazalgette, 20 June 1861, advising
that he had been ordered to withdraw his troops from the island.
Extract, Head Quarters, District of Oregon, to Pickett, 11 June 1861,
special order authorizing the removal and future disposition of the
U.S. troops on San Juan Island, by order of Colonel Wright, signed by
Lt. J.S. Mason and Lt. James W. Forsythe.
Bazalgette to Pickett, 20 June 1861, acknowledging receipt of his
letter and expressing regret at the news of his departure.
Other documents included in the file
Rogers to E. Hammond, Foreign Office, 6 September 1861, forwarding
copy of the despatch and enclosures.
Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 69, 3 September 1861,
informing him that
the British Detachment is to be retained on [San Juan Island] whether the American force be withdrawn or not.