Douglas, Chief Factor Governor Vice-Admiral Sir James to Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes 11 November 1859, CO 305:11, no. 18, 250.

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Despatch to London
Douglas, James to Pelham-Clinton, Henry Pelham Fiennes 11 November 1859, CO 305:11, no. 18, 250.

Abstract

Despatch to London. Minutes (5), Enclosures (untranscribed) (4), Other documents (1).

Douglas forwards correspondence on the ongoing sovereignty dispute over San Juan Island, noting that General Scott alludes to the complaint of William Moore a British Subject.

No. 56

11 November 1859

The accompanying communication from General Scott has come to hand just as the Mail is being closed.

It is in reply to my last letter of the 7th November and evinces a spirit of conciliation highly honorable to General Scott and which cannot fail to be Satisfactory

Satisfactory, to Her Majesty's Government.

General Scott alludes to the complaint of William Moore a British Subject which I presented to him for arrangement, but I will not trouble your Grace with the merits of that case, unless I fail in procuring satisfaction from the authorities of Washington Territory.

I have etc.

Minutes by CO staff

Mr Elliot
Governor Douglas' last despatch is with the Duke of Newcastle, and I believe that His Grace has the question of the jurisdiction to be exercised by the American & English authorities in San Juan under consideration.

HT Irving 2 Jany

Mr Merivale
I do not see that any action is required on this. The enclosure of F.O. letter 12817 (circulated to-day with [N.?]) will shew the Governor that H.M. Govt contemplate no exclusive jurisdiction.

TFE 2 Jany

Foreign office?

HM Jan 4

The former paper was returned by me a few days ago.

To Foreign Office.

N 8

Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)

Winfield Scott to Douglas, 9 November 1859, stating satisfaction with the situation on San Juan Island and commenting on the complaint of William Moore, with enclosures.

Extract, L. Thomas, Assistant Adjutant General, no date, advising that until the sovereignity dispute is settled, American and British subjects have equal rights on the island.

Extract, Thomas to Captain Hunt, U.S. Commander, San Juan Island, no date, forwarding correspondence from Scott to Douglas which "will show you the spirit in which it is expected you will execute the delicate and important trust confided to you."

Extract, Lieutenant Colonel George W. Lay, U.S. Army Headquarters, to Douglas, 9 November 1859, forwarding correspondence for the governor's information.