Mr Fortescue
I am not sure that the responsibility about the Marines can be cast
upon the Admiralty. The Admiralty have frequently remonstrated about
their being detained so long after the period at which they are
entitled to relief. The subject of the amount and nature of the
force to be maintained for service at
VanCouver Island and on the
Isle of San Juan, seems to be one for the general decision of H.M. Government and not for that of
the Admiralty; but since it is
clear that until there is a new agreement with the Americans, 100 men
must be found for
San Juan alone, it seems to follow that if no other
kind of force than marines can be found, the only remaining resource
would be to ask the Admiralty whether, in case the present detachment
have so strong a claim to relief, it's place can be supplied by other
marines?