US Presidency
1859

Soon after the chief factor of the company at Victoria, Mr. Dalles, son-in-law of Governor Douglas, came to the island in the British sloop of war Satellite and threatened to take this American [ Mr. Cutler ] by force to Victoria to answer for the trespass he had committed. The American seized his rifle and told Mr. Dalles if any such attempt was made he would kill him upon the spot. The affair then ended. Under these circumstances the American settlers presented a petition to the General through the United States inspector of customs, Mr. Hubbs, to place a force upon the island to protect them from the Indians as well as the oppressive interference of the authorities of the Hudsons Bay Company at Victoria with their rights as American citizens. The General immediately responded to this petition, and ordered Captain George E. Pickett, Ninth Infantry, to establish his company on Bellevue, or San Juan Island, on some suitable position near the harbor at the southeastern extremity.