PERIOD FROM 1836 TO 1854. 523 



Mr. Crampton will receive by this mail instructions, which he will 

 doubtless read to you. They will contain, I think, the same sentiments 

 expressed to me by Lord Malmesbury. Copies, also, of the instruc- 

 tions sent to the colonial governors and to Admiral Seymour will 

 probably accompany the instructions. 



Lord Malmesbury will probably propose to leave that part of the 

 treaty about which we disagree, for the present, just where it has been, 

 and will direct the British authorities to confine their exertions to 

 within three marine miles of the shore, to exercise their power with 

 great leniency, and not to make captures except under flagrant cir- 

 cumstances. He wishes to place the question in position to be ad- 

 justed, if possible, when the present excitement has passed away. 

 Whatever may be the views of the colonists, the government here has 

 every desire to settle the whole matter. They have committed an 

 error which I think they wish to repair as soon as possible. 



The fishing cannot be abandoned at this time of the jear without 

 great loss and suffering. It has occurred to me that if, on investiga- 

 tion, it turns out that our fishermen have been in the habit of " finish- 

 ing their fares " in waters clearly within three miles of the shores, 

 perhaps Mr. Crampton would consent, if his instructions permit him, 

 to advise the authorities not to make captures this year. I still think 

 this question can be now finally and satisfactorily settled. 



I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Abbott Lawrence. 



Consul Braine to Mr. Webster. 



No. 97.] Consulate of the United States of America, 



Halifax, N. £., September 4, 1852. 



Sir: Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 9th ultimo 

 I have had the gratification of a visit from Commodore Matthew 

 C. Perry, in tin- Steam Frigate " Mississippi" Captain William I. 

 McCluney. the appearance of this line frigate, in the Port, created 

 quite a sensation amongst the inhabitants of this city. 



Commodore Perry was received with the usual courtesies due to 

 his rank by the Admiral Sir G. F. Seymour, arid the Lieut. Governor 

 Sir. I. G. Le Ifarchant, and the Military and Civil Authorities of 

 the City, &c. From the former particularly he had everj facility 

 afforded him. towards the completion of his mission in these waters. 



Fn the absence of Mr. Livingston I furnished Commodore Perry 

 with copir- of all my correspondence, relating to the seizure, and 

 release of the Fishing Schooner "Helen Marid™ of Gloucester, and 

 such other information as I could give him, and also assisted :it the 

 request of the Commodore in procuring a supply of fuel and a com- 

 petent pilol to take the frigate from hence, mid to continue her 

 cruise on the Ea tern Fishing ground-, around Prince Edwards 

 Island ftc, and for which services I was informed the general in- 

 struction-- did not allow the Consul any remuneration lor. 



The Steam Packet " Imerica" Prom England, arrived here on the 

 31st ulto. bringing a rumor of reported concessions by Great Britain 

 of the Fishery Convention of 1818, oa to give our ve el the right 

 to fi-1 1 within the Ba? of Br. America, which caused at first very 



