In the course of the day, Mr. A. J. Dallas, a Director of the Company, with two friends, chanced to land at the island from the Company's trading steamer Beaver.

Having been informed of the wrongful act of Cutler, he, on the following day, went to him, accompanied by Mr. Griffin, the chief trader and agent of the Company on the island, and also by his two friends. On being remonstrated with, Cutler admitted his offence, but threatened to shoot any other of the Company's stock which should interfere with him.(1)

After some further conversation, Mr. Dallas rode off with his companions.

Subsequently he took occasion to inform the Governor of Vancouver's Island of the lawless and criminal act which had been committed by Cutler, and suggested that he should communicate with the Governor of Washington Territory on the subject, but it does not appear whether this suggestion was carried out.

It appears that General Harney had landed at Victoria in the month of July, 1859, and also that he had been on very cordial terms with the Governor of Vancouver's Island, of which Victoria is the capital. Suddenly the General left that city, and on the 9th of July landed on the island of San Juan, without any apparent object, inasmuch as no troops of his command were stationed there. On the 11th of July a petition was presented to him purporting to have been signed by twenty-two persons styling themselves

(1) American State Papers, p. 260.

"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.

66

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, (2) Idem, p. 149.

(1) American State Papers, p. 147.

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)—

"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 intimidation 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 George Pickett,

"Commanding Company of 9th Infantry, Fort

"Bellingham, Puget Sound."