Confidential

The Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty's Government and the
Government of the United States to adjust the lines of Water Boundary
between Vancouver's Island and the American territory on the Mainland
having failed to come to an agreement on the subject, Her Majesty's
Government have determined to await the result of the British Survey of
those waters now in course of execution by Captain Prevost before taking
further steps in the matter.

This survey, it is expected, will not be completed till the close
of the present Season, and I take advantage of the delay thus occasioned
to learn your views on the points at issue between the British and
American Governments, and I request that you will furnish me as early as
practicable with a report on the subject and with any suggestions which
you may be able to offer for the information of Her Majesty's Government.