No. 5

I beg herewith to transmit for your information copy of a Report
from Mr Charles Griffin, detailing the particulars of an outrage
committed by an armed party of American citizens headed by a person
styling himself Sheriff Barnes of Whatcomb county, who landed on the
Island of San Juan, and in the name of the United States of America,
demanded payment of certain local taxes on British property there,
amounting in all to the sum of about 80 dollars.

The demand being refused they proceeded to make seizures, and
succeeded in carrying off with impunity, thirty four head of valuable
breeding Rams, with which they hastily took their departure for the
American shore, before the British residents could muster for the
protection of their property.

I despatched a sufficient force to their assistance, but the
Americans had left the Island with their booty, a few hours before the
arrival of that detachment, which unfortunately did not pursue the
party, or the property abstracted might have been recovered.

I have addressed a letter to Mr Stevens Governor of Washington Territory in reference to that subject, and transmit a copy of the same
herewith.

The Federal Officers of Washington Territory having latterly stood
entirely aloof, and taken no part in the boundary dispute, I was in
hopes of remaining in quiet possession of the Arro Islands, until the
question of sovereignty was decided by the action of the Imperial
Government, but it appears that the mob of Washington Territory have
taken the matter in hand, and are disposed to settle it in their own
way.

I am very unwilling at the present conjuncture of affairs in
Europe, to take any steps that may give trouble or disturb our peaceful
relations with the Government of the United States; but I fear that
consequence will be inevetable, unless measures are taken, on both sides,
to prevent unlawful acts, and to enforce the peace of the country.

Outrages on the one side, will, as a matter of course, lead to
sharp reprisals on the other, and the result may be very serious to both
parties.

I have applied to Rear Admiral Bruce, for assistance, which he may
probably be able to afford, without materially interfering with his
contemplated operations, for the present summer.

Trusting that those proceedings may meet with your approbation.