FISHERIES IN .ALASKA. 6 



as such desire to write to you to see what arrangements could be effected between 

 the government and the parties which are anxious to emigrate to that country. 

 Having called a meeting of citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to that 

 effect, we are waiting to hear from the government in regard to emigration, and 

 the welfare of such emigrants. Having been elected chairman of the committee, 

 they have prevailed upon me to inform you of our proceedings. 



Resolved, That we, members of the pioneer association for the civilization of 

 the lately acquired Russian American territory, (now America,) ask the honor- 

 able Secretary of State for his good offices in the furtherance of this object. 



Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to equip ourselves for the above object, 

 and rely on the United States government to assist us in the objects of its 

 civilizing influences. 



Resolved, That having entire reliance in the patriotism of the government of 

 the United States, we ask an early reply to this communication. 



Captain NATHANIEL R. HARRIS, Chairman. 

 CALVIN CURTIS, Secretary. 

 Committee — 

 E. Collins. 

 j. Myers, 

 John Leddy. 

 All communications to be addressed to Captain N. R. Harris, 1002 Wharton 

 street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 



Hon. William H. Seward, 



Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. 



No. 3. 



Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward. 



Navy Department, 

 Washington, May 22, 1867. 

 Sir: In accordance with your verbal request, I enclose herewith a copy of a 

 letter from Mr. I. S. McDonald, in relation to the recent acquisition of Russian 

 America. 



Very respectfully, 



GIDEON WELLES, 



Secretary of the Navy. 

 Hon. William H. Seward, 



Secretary of Stale, Washington, D. C. 



Mr. McDonald to Mr. Welles. 



Steilacoom, Pierce County, Washington Territory, 



April 12, 1867. 

 Honored Sir : Some 15 months ago our territorial legislature passed a memo- 

 rial to his Excellency the President of the United States, soliciting his good 

 offices with the government of Russia for certain rights in the Russian Ameri- 

 can waters, which has resulted in the acquisition of that beautiful rich country, 

 the purchase of which would be a good bargain at $100,000,000. 



The memorial further asks his Excellency to employ some of the naval fleet 



