6 FISHERIES IN ALASKA. 



of State, by which, the department is advised that citizens of the United States 

 are attempting to make claims and settlements at Sitka within the " Russian 

 purchase " under the town site and pre-emption laws, and I have the honor to 

 state that such settlements aie illegal and contrary to law. ( See act of March 3, 

 1807, vol. 2, page 445, United States Statutes.) 



In the absence of specific legislation by Congress providing for the organiza- 

 tion of land districts within the "Russian purchase," and the extension of our 

 system of surveys over the same, settlements and claims under the town site and 

 pre-emption laws are unlawful, and cannot be recognized under existing laws. 

 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



JOSEPH S. WILSON, 



Commissioner. 

 Hon. 0. H. Browning, 



Secretary of the Interior. 



No. 7. 



Mr. Seward to Mr. de StoccH. 



Department of State, 



Washington, October 29, 1S67. 

 Sir : I have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of a letter of 

 yesterday to General Grant, the Secretary of War ad interim, embodying an 

 instruction which the President has directed to be sent by telegraph to Major 

 General Halleck, by him to be promptly communicated to Major General Rous- 

 seau, at Sitka, with a view to preventing premature and illegal attempts to occupy 

 land in Alaska. 



Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my very high consideration. 



WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

 Mr. Edward de Stoeckl, fyc, <$r., fyc. 



Mr. Seward to General Grant. 



Department of State, 



Washington, October 28, 1867. 

 General : In the absence of specific legislation by Congress for the organ- 

 ization of land districts in Alaska, claims of pre-emption and settlements are not 

 only without the sanction of law, but are in direct violation of laws applicable 

 to the public domain. Military force may be used to remove intruders if neces- 

 sary. Will you have the goodness to instruct Major General Halleck to this 

 effect by telegraph, and request him to communicate the instruction to Major 

 General Rousseau at Sitka ? 



I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, 



WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

 General U. S. Grant, 



Secretary of War ad interim. 



