Imrie and Tomlinson to S.R. Graves

We were very much surprised to observe by the last accounts from
Vancouver Island that American vessels were employed on the
internal trade up Fraser River, contrary we believe to Law.

We are just despatching a new Screw Steamer the "Firwood" for the
express purpose of taking passengers & trading from San Francisco
to Victoria & thence up Fraser River & other Colonial waters. It
is surely a great injustice to British shipping that they will have
to Compete with American ships on our own rivers while they are
prevented from taking goods & passengers at the intermediate ports,
of Humbolt Port Oxford [Orford], Crescent City, Umpqua
& Columbia River all in the American territory.

We shall be much obliged if you will bring this subject before the
ship owners association and try to induce Government to make such
arrangements as will protect the interests of the Steamer when she
gets to Vancouver Island.