PERTAINING TO SITUATION IN 1852-1853. 173 



fish within three marine miles of the coasts of the British posses- 

 sions provided for in the article of the convention of 1818. 



The point in dispute as to the right to enter the open bays, pro- 

 vided they do not approach within three marine miles of the shore, is 

 understood in Great Britain as well as within the United States, and 

 the President does not apprehend that force will be rashly resorted 

 to against our citizens fishing in the bays and harbors, provided they 

 avoid approaching within three marine miles of the shore, more par- 

 ticularly as it is known to her Majesty's government that it is at this 

 moment a subject of negotiation. 



On reaching Halifax, however, you will have an interview with 

 Admiral Seymour, who, we learn, has command of her Majesty's 

 squadron in that region. You will frankly inform him of the Presi- 

 dent's interpretation of the treaty of the desire of your government 

 to preserve peace and avoid the calamity of a war and the disruption 

 of the friendly relations now so happily subsisting between the two 

 governments of your instructions, and determination to warn our 

 citizens of the importance of observing the rights of Great Britain 

 with strict fidelity, and avoiding any infraction of existing treaties. 



In your interview you will endeavor to ascertain the views of 

 Admiral Seymour, the instructions of his government, and especially 

 the course he designs pursuing towards any of our fishing vessels 

 that may be found fishing in the bays, but not within three miles of 

 the shore. You will communicate to the department promptly the 

 result of your interview, and whatever views may suggest themselves 

 to you in regard to the whole subject, and await further despatches 

 from the department at Halifax, or any other point, if preferable 

 and more convenient. 



Portland and Eastport are points at which the department would 

 suggest to you to touch, and learn from the collectors such facts as 

 their observations and experience may enable them to furnish. Their 

 suggestions and information may serve to some extent to guide you 

 in your cruise. 



The department desires you, if practicable, to visit the whole of 

 the fishing ground, from the northern boundary of the United States 

 as far north as in your sound discretion you may deem it important. 



It is sincerely hoped that your presence will have the effect of 

 quieting the excitement said to exist among our fishermen, and that 

 your warning will admonish them never to venture where treaty 

 stipulation does not clearly authorize them. You will see, also, that 

 foreign vessels are not engaged in fishing on our coasts without 

 authority. 



If on any occasion you discover attempts making to deprive any 

 of our citizens of their just rights, you will respectfully but firmly 

 remonstrate ; and if persisted in, you will take such steps as in your 

 judgment will be best calculated to check and prevent such inter- 

 ference; never resorting to violence as a matter of self-defence 

 and necessity. 



All courtesy and respect will be shown to the armed vessels of 

 England and France. 



You will communicate as often as possible with the department. 



The steamers Princeton and Fulton, and the sloop-of-war Decatur, 

 will be under your command. The Cyane and other vessels may be 

 added if deemed important. 



