Confidential
21 August 1858
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 andManuscript image 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.
I have etc.