No. 7

In my Despatch of the 18th May last I had the honor of
transmitting copy of a Report from Mr Charles Griffin, adverting to
an outrage committed by certain American citizens on the Island of San
Juan, and also a copy of a letter on that subject which I addressed to
Mr Stevens Governor of Washington Territory for the United States, to
which no reply had been received at the date of my Despatch. I have now
the honor of transmitting for your Lordship's information the reply of
Governor Stevens to my said communication.

The objects I had chiefly in view in addressing him, on that
occasion, were to ascertain if the American party had authority from the
Federal Officers, for their proceedings, and if the latter were disposed
to exert the authority vested in them, by the laws of the United States
to put down evil courses, and to aid in maintaining the peace of the
country until the question of boundary is settled.

On those subjects however Governor Stevens maintains a guarded
reserve, and the whole tenor of his communication is so little explicit,
as to leave a strong impression on my mind, that the proceedings of the
American party on San Juan, were certainly not discouraged by the
Federal authorities of Washington Territory.

It would clearly be conducive to the best interests of this and the
neighbouring American settlements, if the Executive Authorities on both
sides would honestly unite in maintaining the peace, but I am of opinion
that no such concert can be looked for, from the authorities of the
United States, owing partly to a fear of displeasing the mob, and
perhaps in some measure to a feeling of their own strength, as
contrasted with our inferior numbers.

A county officer of Washington Territory lately made a demand on
the British inhabitants of San Juan, for an account of all their taxable
property, which they refused to render him.

I therefore think it probable that further attempts will be made to
levy taxes there, for the Territory of Washington in course of the
present year, and I apprehend further difficulties from that cause.