"American citizens on the Island of San Juan." Among them was the squatter Cutler, and a Mr. Hubbs, representing himself as the United States Inspector of Customs on the island.(1)

The petition was as follows :(2)—

"To General Harney, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific division of the United States Army.

"The undersigned, American citizens on the Island of San Juan, would respectfully represent: That in the month of April, in the year One thousand eight hundred and fiftyeight, the house of the United States Inspector of Customs for this island was attacked and fired into in the night by a party of Indians living on this island, and known as the Clallams, and had it not been for the timely aid of the Hudson's Bay Company, the Inspector would have fallen a victim to their savage designs. In the month of July following we found on the beach, close to the above-mentioned Indian camp, the bodies of two white men, apparently Americans, who had, when found, cotton cords about their necks, which had been used to conceal them under water. Last fall another daring murder was committed in the middle of the day, and in the plain sight of us all here, without the slightest chance of our rendering them assistance. Only ten days ago another body was found on our shore which had been the victim of foul play. Inclusive with the above dangers that we are exposed to from our neighbouring Indians, we are continually in fear of a descent upon us by the bands of marauding northern Indians, who infest these waters in large numbers, and are greatly retarding the progress of the settlement of this island.

"According to the treaty concluded June 15, 1846, between the United States and Great Britain (the provisions of which ✓ are plain, obvious, and pointed to us all here), this and all the islands east of the Canal de Haro belong to us. We,

(1) American State Papers, p. 147.

(2) Idem, p. 149.

therefore, claim American protection in our present exposed and defenceless position.

"With a view of these facts, and for the essential advantage of having this and the surrounding islands immediately settled, we most earnestly pray that you will have stationed on this island a sufficient military force to protect us from the above mentioned dangers until we become sufficiently strong to protect ourselves.

It may be noticed that no reference was made in the petition to the visit of Mr. Dallas; and the only reference to the Hudson's Bay Company therein contained bears ample testimony to the unselfish and ready kindness of the Company's agents.

It would appear, however, that a grossly untrue and garbled statement with respect to that gentleman's visit was made orally to the General.(1)

General Harney did not communicate with the British authorities, colonial or imperial, or with his commanding officer, General Scott, or with the Supreme Government at Washington, but proceeded at once to detach a company of troops, under Captain Pickett, to occupy the island.

(1) American State Papers, p. 148.

R

The directions given by him to Captain Pickett were as follows :(1)—

66

"Head-quarters, Department of Oregon, Fort "Vancouver, W.T., July 18, 1859. CAPTAIN,-By special orders No. 72, a copy of which is enclosed, you are directed to establish your company on Bellevue, or San Juan Island, on some suitable position near the harbour, at the south-eastern extremity. The General commanding instructs me to say, the object to be attained in placing you thus is two-fold, viz:

"1st. To protect the inhabitants of the island from the incursions of the northern Indians of British Columbia and the Russian possessions. You will not permit any force of these Indians to visit San Juan Island, or the waters of Puget Sound, in that vicinity, over which the United States have any jurisdiction. Should these Indians appear peaceable, you will warn them in a quiet but firm manner to return to their own country, and not visit in future the territory of the United States; and in the event of any opposition being offered to your demands, you will use the most decisive measures to enforce them; to which end the commander stationed on the steamer Massachusetts will be instructed to render every assistance and co-operation that will be necessary to enable your command to fulfil the tenor of these instructions.

"2nd. Another serious and important duty will devolve upon you in the occupation of San Juan Island, arising from the conflicting interests of the American citizens and the Hudson's Bay Company's establishment at that point. This duty is to afford adequate protection to the American citizens, in their rights as such, and to resist all attempts at interference by the British authorities residing on Vancouver's Island, by intimi dation or force, in the controversies of the above-mentioned parties.

"This protection has been called for in consequence of the chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, Mr. Dallas, having 1) American State Papers, p. 146.

recently visited San Juan Island with a British sloop of war, and threatened to take an American by force to Victoria for trial by British laws. It is hoped a second attempt of this kind will not be made; but to insure the safety of our citizens, the General commanding directs you to meet the authorities from Victoria at once, on a second arrival, and inform them they cannot be permitted to interfere with our citizens in any way. Any grievances they may allege as requiring redress can only be examined under our own laws, to which they must. submit their claims in proper form.

"The steamer Massachusetts will be directed to transport your command, stores, &c., to San Juan Island, where you are authorised to construct such temporary shelter as the necessities of the service demand.

"Any materials, as doors, window-sashes, flooring, &c., that can be rendered available, will be taken with you from Fort Bellingham. To secure to your command the vegetables of your garden, a small detachment will be left to gather them when grown.

"The General commanding is fully satisfied, from the varied experience and judgment displayed by you in your present command, that your selection to the duties with which you are now charged will advance the interest of the service, and that your disposition of the subjects coming within your supervision and action will enhance your reputation as a commander.

"In your selection of a position, take into consideration that future contingencies may require an establishment of from four to six companies, retaining the command of the San Juan harbour.

"I am, Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, "A. PLEASONTON,

Captain 2nd Dragoons, Acting Assistant

Captain George Pickett,

"Commanding Company of 9th Infantry, Fort

"Bellingham, Puget Sound."

On the same date, General Harney notified to Colonel Silas Casey the changes he had made in the disposition of the troops under his command, and directed that the northern Indians should be warned not to come into any of the waters under the jurisdiction of the United States, which (as he alleged) " embraces all the islands and currents to the east of the Straits of Haro." General Harney did not communicate with General Scott until the 19th of July, when he wrote a letter to him containing the most extraordinary mis-statements, and containing charges against Mr. Dallas which he did not attempt to authenticate; nor did he give Mr. Dallas an opportunity of denying them. The following is is an extract from this letter:(1)

"Head-quarters, Department of Oregon,

Fort Vancouver, W.T., July 19th, 1859. "SIR,-On the morning of the 9th instant I left Victoria and visited Bellevue, or San Juan Island, about ten miles to the east of Vancouver's Island, on the opposite side of the Straits of Haro. This island is fifteen miles long and five or six broad. It contains fine timber, good water and grass, and is the most commanding position we possess on the Sound; overlooking the Straits of Haro, the Straits of Fuca, and the Rosario Strait, it is the most suitable point from which to observe and prevent the northern Indians from visiting our settlements to the south of it. At the south-eastern extremity one of the finest harbours on this coast is to be found, completely sheltered, offering the best location for a naval station on the Pacific coast. The Hudson's Bay Company have an establishment on this island for the purpose of raising sheep, which they export at eight dollars a head.

() American State Papers, p. 147.

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