Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 26 October 1859, CO 305:11, no. 12505, 194.
Abstract
Despatch to London.
Minutes (3), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (3).
Douglas forwards de Courcy's letter on his customs experiences
the Customs House at Port Townshend,along with a
Copy of a Notice Signed by the United States Inspector of Customs for the Island of San Juan, Setting forth that the Revenue Laws of the United States are in force on all the Islands East of the Canal de Haro.Douglas observes that
This assumption of Exclusive authority on the part of the United States officials, and the attempted Extension of the United States Revenue Laws to the Islands of the Haro Archipelago, is most unwise, and…is more likely to provoke a collision.
No. 51
26 October 1859
I have the honor to forward herewith to Your Grace the copy of a
letter from Mr de Courcy, the Resident Magistrate at San Juan,
representing that upon his return to that place from Victoria,
he was informed by a United States official
official that he could not be
allowed to land his Baggage in Consequence of its not having
been cleared at the Customs House at Port Townshend.
official that he could not be
allowed to land his Baggage in Consequence of its not having
been cleared at the Customs House at Port Townshend.
Subsequently however Mr de Courcy was allowed to land with his
baggage without molestation.
2. Your Grace will observe that Mr de Courcy forwards with his
letter the Copy of a Notice Signed by the United States
Inspector of Customs for the Island of San Juan, Setting forth
that the Revenue Laws of the United States are in force on all
the Islands East of the Canal de Haro and
and that vessels must
clear at the Custom House at Port Townsend, in default of which
the vessels and goods will be liable to Confiscation.
and that vessels must
clear at the Custom House at Port Townsend, in default of which
the vessels and goods will be liable to Confiscation.
3. This assumption of Exclusive authority on the part of the
United States officials, and the attempted Extension of the
United States Revenue Laws to the Islands of the Haro
Archipelago, is most unwise, and no course that could be adopted
is more likely to provoke a collision.
4. The question of occupation, having been
been referred to Her
Majesty's Government and Mr de Courcy having Eventually been
allowed to land his Baggage, I have not taken any steps with
regard to this matter.
been referred to Her
Majesty's Government and Mr de Courcy having Eventually been
allowed to land his Baggage, I have not taken any steps with
regard to this matter.
5. Our forbearance has been great, and Your Grace may rest
assured that if it be possible we shall patiently and quietly
await the action which may
may be instituted by Her Majesty's
Government.
may be instituted by Her Majesty's
Government.
I have etc.
Minutes by CO staff
I believe the American's have always succeeded in maintaining a
Revenue officer on the Island, who has from time to time
Endeavored to enforce his authority over British Subjects. He
will of course be withdrawn under the proposed joint occupation?
Copy to F.O. and acknowledge expressing satisfaction that
collision has been avoided.
HT Irving
19 Dec
I do not think the Amns have "always" maintained a revenue
officer on the island. They have sent 
one from time to time.
one from time to time.
Simply send to Forn office, I think, but Mr de Courcy seems to
have acted quite rightly?
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
John de Courcy, Stipendiary Magistrate, to W.A.G. Young, Colonial
Secretary, 1 October 1859, reporting his encounter with American
customs officials on San Juan Island.
Notice advising that the revenue laws of the United States would
henceforth be enforced on San Juan and "all the islands east of
the Canal de Haro," dated 27 September 1859, signed by Paul K.
Hubbs, U.S. Inspector of Customs for San Juan Island.
Other documents included in the file
Helmcken to Newcastle, no date, reporting on a Vancouver Island petition, and giving reasons for the same.
