, 1858-09-24
Correspondence Of Gov. Stevens with the
- State DEPARTMENT.


State Department q
On the first page Of tO-day's paper win
be found somewhat lengthy communion
ton of our delegate 10 Congress, addressed
to the Secretary of State-Hon. LEWIS
concerning the validity Of the Hud-
son Bay Company charter-the oppressive
measures adopted by the present Governor
of VaneSuver's Island, relative to the trade
and navigation Of Frazer river by citizens
Of the United States-the injury likely to
result to the American settlers on tie
Pacific in consequence Of the illiberal p0li-
cy pursued by that functionary, &c, &c.
This letter is dated July 2lst, and hereunto
annexed will be found the reply of the
Secretary Of State, by which it will be
seen that the government is giving its
special attention to affairs in this quarter.
+ We feel assured in saying, that the au-
thorities at Washington are well satisfied
that a more liberal course Of policy will
soon be required to be pursued by the
Hudson Bay Company. A careful consid-
GRAFTON Of the instructions of the Colonial
Secretary to Gov. DOUGLAS, and the recent
debate in Parliament concerning the adop-
tion Of measures for the future government
of New Caledonia, &c, furnishes, it would
seem, conclusive evidence that the course Of
the Hudson Bay Company, both in exact
ing license to trade, and in prohibiting
trade, except Of their own goods will not
be insisted upon And, whilst it is not an
ticipatsd that our people will be required
to submit for any great length of time to
the restrictive policy of the Company, we
therefore believe there may be propriety in
conforming to the rules Of police establish
cd for the preservation of order there-at
least until the wheels Of the Colonial gov
srnment shall have been set in motion
"John Bull y is wide awake to his own in
tsrests upon this continent. He wants his
own railroad to the Pacific, and intends to
build up great British North America
stretching from ocean to ocean, as coun-
tsrpoise and antagonist to our own
"DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, July 2S 1858.
"To THE Hon. I. l. STEVENS, Washington:
/" sR-I have received and submitted to the Presi-
dent your letters of the 22d June and 2lst inst.
The Presidents attention has already been drawn
to the existing circumstances upon onr Northwestern
frontier, and TO the extraordinary emigration of our
citizens to the neghborng British possessions in
sequence Of the recent discovery OF gold in that
giOn. Measures have been taken, by the appointment
Of special agent with detailed instructions for his
government 10 procure reliable Information as 10 the
state Of things there, which will enable the govern
ment 70 adopt such measures as may be necessary,
and within the sphere Of its authority to maintain
tranquility in that quarter and 10 insure liberal
Of policy to all the American citizens who may
desire 70 resort thither There u every reason 10 be
eve that the British government is disposed TO adopt
Just and liberal system OF management, and TO eX
tend to adventures from all countries the rights
which may be granted TO British subjects.
In your letter Of the 2lst inst, you present var
Gus considerations connected with the existing rela
tons Of the Hudson Bay Company and the British
crown and also with the commercial intercourse be
tween our Pacific possessions and the British domin-
ions In that quarter. These subjects involve questions
Of much importance, relating they do to the inter
nal administration Of q foreign country, respecting
which the President does not deem it his duty at pres
ent to express an opinion. You may rest assured,
however, that this subject will continue to occupy the
attention Of the government and that its measures
will be directed towards ensuring for our citizens
liberal participation in these enterprises, and also
fair commercial intercourse with the regions where
they are carried on. ..-.. .........r.
F. '7''1' LEWIS CAss." 1