Hammond to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)

I have laid before Lord John Russell your Letter of the 2d Instant,
suggesting with reference to the observations contained in the
Despatch from Governor Douglas, of which a Copy is inclosed, whether
it would not be advisable that the Civil Officers on both sides
should be withdrawn from the Island of San Juan, which should be
placed under Martial Law.

I am to state to you, in reply, for the information of His Grace the
Duke of Newcastle, that Lord John Russell questions the expediency of
disturbing the present arrangement; 100 marines will soon be
established on the Island, and the British Magistrate will be
protected.