3032 AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



tion is open to their fisheman by this treaty, and its value alone is in 

 uiy opinion worth more to them than all the advantage we can receive 

 back. The Codfishery interest here and in the vicinity would not were 

 it in their power surrender our markets or open them free to their fishe- 

 man for all the rights they confer coupled with the payment of $500,000 

 to them as a compensation under the reciprocity treaty the fisheries in 

 the ports of Barrington vicinity numbered some 50 vessels which 

 found a market for their fish in our ports since that time their fisheries 

 have declined in Barringtou alone, to some 5 to 6 vessels only, and :heir 

 fisherman are pursuing the business in vessels from here and vicinity. 

 Some 12 entire crews coming from that section are employed in vessels 

 here this present season, the present treaty Will encourage their fisheries 

 and deprive us of men necessary to man our vessels, which we obtain 

 from Provinces. 



Yours respectfully 



W. H. NELSON 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



COUNTY OF PLYMOUTH 



TOWN OF PLYMOUTH 

 PLYMOUTH July 3, 1873 



Then William H. Nelson personally appeared and made oath that the 

 statements by him made and signed, in the foregoing document, hereto 

 annexed, are true according to his best knowledge & belief. 

 Before me 



(Seal.) JNO. J. EUSSELL 



Notary Public icithin &for said county 



No. 16. 



[CONFIDENTIAL.] 



QUESTIONS EESPECTING THE FISHERIES TO BE PRO- 



POUNDED TO ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED 



STATES. 



1. What is your name and age, and in what town and State do you 

 reside ! Asa W. Small j 33, Nautucket, Mass. 



l*. What opportunities have you had for becoming acquainted with the 

 American and Canadian Atlantic sea-fisheries, and the value of the catch 

 of the different kinds of fish ? I have been in the fishing business for 

 twenty years. 



3. Can you give the names of other persons in your neighborhood 

 who have also had the opportunity of obtaining similar information ! 



f so, please give some such name. 



4. A copy of the Treaty between Great Britain and the United States, 

 known as the Treaty of Washington, is hereto annexed. Will you ex- 

 amine articles 18 to 22 inclusive, and state that vou have done so! I 

 have examined the articles from 18 to 22. 



5. What kinds of fish frequent the waters of your State, especially 

 ose which are to be thrown open to the Canadian fishermen under the 



unions of the Treaty of Washington? Cod, Mackerel, Haddock, 

 & Halil! 1>01> g ee > Bluefish, Herring, Shad, Striped-Bass, Sea Bass 



0. Can you give a statement of the kinds and quantities of fish taken 



