7 
(s) stated AGO put "two batteries n on Howland to hold off USGC 
(Netcher via Micha&l ) and Baker as agent for AGO 
off offered to buy the islands. 
(t) stated he and Taylor had received shares in USGC in payment of rights 
M 
Letter of August Jl, i860—USGC to Attorney Bluh 
(a) States Netcher discovered Howland in Sept 9, 1842 but landed upon, 
named Howland, and guano discovered in Feb 1848. 
(b) States Arthur G. Benson took possession for himself, Taylor, and 
Benson 
(c) Asks about legality of whole business. 
Affidavit (Copy of) Arthur Benson—September 6, i860 
(a) landed on Howlands (sometimes called ^etcher’s) Island in Feb 5, 1857 
(b) claimed island for A., G, and W. 
(c) placed claims on island and guano in bottles and on shells of Damboo. 
(d) s aid he also claimed Baker and Jarvis for Benson and associates in 
. AGC although his directions as agent of American Guano Company did 
not state that he should do so. 
(e) stated that he had separate instructions for Howland, and Baker and 
Jarvis 
(f) appends written instructions for two missions. 
(g) stated that when AGC learned he had taken possession of Howland for 
A. G. Benson he was highly complimented, ^ 1; etc., for how 
he had discharged his duty to the company. 
Affidavit —Jason Pendleton—Sept 1, i860 
a. On or about Feb 21, 1859 he was employed as an agent of USGC, and 
shortly afterward sailed on the ship Ivanhoe. Reached Howland on 
or about June 25, 1859 f° r the purpose of mining guano. Told he 
could not take guano and would be prevented from doing so by the men 
of the AGC. Exchanged food and water for two bags of guano as AGC 
men were greatly in need. Offshore 5 days. He was not Captain of 
the ship. 
Affidavit —A. G. Benson—Sept 5, l860--by Supreme Court , City and State of N.Y. 
(a) A. G. Benson swore he became president of USGC on or about Dec 21, 
\ ~ 1859, and that he had been President and trustee of the AGC from on 
or about Sept 1, 1855 until Oct 1J, 1858 when he resigned. Was informed 
of the existence of Howland Island on or about Feb, 1856; deriving 
such information from G. Netcher who then claimed to be first 
discoverer of the island. Netcher showed him his journal at that 
time. American G. C. organized in Sept 1855 for purpose of purchasing 
\ 'Baker and Jarvis. States guano on Baker discovered by Baker, guano 
V 
