Confidential

I have received your Despatch No. 16 of 22nd February transmitting
a Resolution of the Legislative Council, with reference to the
Appointment of the joint High Commission, representing the importance of
the Island of San Juan, and stating that it is desirable to settle the
boundaries of the Possessions of the United States and the North of
British Columbia and also to consider the question of the Fisheries in
the Pacific.

I enclose a Copy of a letter communicating your Despatch to the
Foreign Office.

I approve of the course which you took in not sending back to the
Council these Resolutions.

With reference to the question how far the United States are bound
by the Treaty between Great Britain and Russia of 1825, I enclose for
your information a Copy of a Despatch which the Duke of Buckingham
addressed to your Predecessor, dated the 17th January 1868.