Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1859-12-17
Ar SRA. OFF ruE HEaDs,

toria
AT SRA, OFF rnE lIEaDs,
STEAMER NoRrHERsER. Nov. %, 1859.
The interchange Of diplomatic correspondence
between Cen Scott and Gov. Douglass common
ced On Wednesday, October 90 whom Lieutenant.
Colonel Lay, A. b. C.. proceeded to Victoria. V.
l.. with dispatches by the revenue cutter jeff
Davis, Lieut. Mason commanding, where he arri-
we'd the following day.
Admiral Baynes. X. N, commanding the Pa
cihc fleet, paid official visit to Col. Lay on the
cutter, and was honored by n salute on his depar-
ture. Col. lny. in pursuance OF his duties imme-
dately waited on Gov. Douglass, and was much
gratihed on being received on cordiality which
Mt once diyeslod his position of greater part of
the cold empty form and ceremony considered 10
essential in diplomacy. The Governor Hospitality
placed him on II home footing at at his resi-
dtnce, aud business was opened and conducted
with an evident dosiro to attain n harmonious and
mutually conc'liatory settlement. which naturally
expedited the result.
Gov, Douelnss aware ofthe Importance of the
matter. at oncc opened his hand freely and eauh
point Mt issue was freely cnnvasscd. HIS lettor
from the home government, from Lord Lyons. tho
English minister and his own order book were
placed at Colonel lny's disposal for his inspection
together with his correspondence with Gen. llar-
nev, aud full exposition Of the views of his gov
crnment were thus had. Col. Lay contented him
self by general expression of tho views of the
cabinet ut Washington, and Gen. Scott's mission,
but permitted the Governor to hnve tho whole talk
on Gcn. LA ney.
The response to Gen. Scots first con,munica-
tion WAS received by tho Northcrnor. General s..
having concluded not to visit Victoria, the Mas
sachuset;s proceeded to Race Rocks. and met the
former steamer en- route to San Francisco. On
Sunday further dispatches. transmitted to Gener
al Scott through Lieut.. Seldcs, Of the Davis, who
hnd volunteered and conveyed them from Victoria
across the Sound in an open boat. were received
the Massachusetts then being on her way back to
Port Townsend On the following day, the 3lst.
tho cutter Davis returned TO Victoria with Colonel
Lny and Joined tho Massachusetts and cutter
Lane at Padlla Bay. Fidalgo Island, whence Col.
Lay. on Tuesday, left for Victoria. The cutter
Lane was afterwards sent to Victoria with further
dispatches, and on the following Saturday Col.
Lazy returned and joined the General in Falso
Dungenese Bay. when the whole vcxed question
settled to mutual satisfaction.
The correspondence interchangcd consisted, I
learn. mostly of opinions and suggestions as to
the most effective means of placing tho matter in
controversy on u pleasant and proper footing for
both tho home governments to arrange tho ques-
ton of the nationality of the soil of San Juan
island, and the wa.er-lno boundary of the north
| west const.
On Monday, Novcmber,7, the Massachusetts
steamed into San Juan bay and anchored nff the
| town, to announce the result of Gen. SCOTS CON
ference with Gov. Douglass, which was made
manifest by tho promulgation of the following
| order: