486 APPENDIX TO CASE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



mander ; that lie is informed by the master of the English bark "Cobang" 

 that some Finns, snbjects of the Czar, have a whaling- station there, 

 keeping two schooners in the bay, and having their trying works on 

 shore. If we were at liberty to assume these special statements to be 

 true, and if we were not assured by the Russian Government that the 

 transactions complained of occurred not only without its knowledge, 

 but without any authority, we should in that case have reason for pro- 

 found concern. 



As the matter stands, with the possibility that similar armed hostile 

 demonstrations may be made on the same quarter, there is reason to 

 apprehend that discontent will arise, and perhaps contiict may occur 

 between citizens of the United States and the subjects of Russia in the 

 Sea of Okhotsk. Nothing could be more inconvenient than such difli- 

 culties at the present moment, as I am well assured nothing could be 

 more sincerely deprecated by the Russian Government. 



You will give a copy of this communication to Prince Gortchacow, 

 and of its accompaniments, Consul Smith's despatch and Captain Enos' 

 deposition, and invite Prince Gortchacow to give his attention to the 

 same at his reasonable convenience. 



I am, «&c., (Signed) William H. Seward. 



No. 13. 



Mr. Frelmghuysen to Mr. Hoffman. 



Department of State, 

 Washington, Marcfi 7, 188:3. 

 Sir: I inclose copies of letters from the Treasury, and a copy of a 

 letter from Messrs. Lyude and Hough, of San Erancisco, to the Secre- 

 tary of the Treasury, touching the Pacific coast fisheries. This latter 

 communication states that, according to late news, "foreign vessels 

 must receive an order from the Governor of Siberia, besides paying 

 duties of 10 dollars per ton on all fish caught in Russian waters," 

 which they say would be ruinous to their business. In view of the 

 above, I have to ask that you will make immediate inquiry on this sub- 

 ject, and report the facts. If a biief telegram will furnish information 

 of value to our fishermen in this regard, you can send one. 

 I am, &c. 



(Signed) Fredk. T. Frelinghuysen. 



17 [Inclo8ure 1 iu No. 13.] 



Mr, Folger to Mr. Frelinghiiijsen. 



Trkasuky Diu'artment, February S, 1S8S. 



Sir: I have the honour to acknowledge tlie receipt of your letter of the 3rcl ultimo, 

 transmitting a copy of a despatch of the 2l8t November last iroiu the Minister of 

 the United States at Tokio, Japan, with its iuclosure, relative to the Notice given by 

 the Russian Consul at Yokoliania in reference to the licensing of foreign vessels 

 trading, hunting, or fishing on the Asiatic coast of Russia. 



1 have to inform you that this Department has issued Circuhir instructions to 

 Collectors of Customs and others at every port throughout the country, to wliich the 

 Russian Consul's Notice is subjoiued, dated the 30th January, lJ>82, and 1 inclose 

 herewith six copies of the Circular. 



Very respectfully, (Signed) Chas. J. Folger. 



