Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-09-08
Highly Important from the North
Pacific.
The British Island, San Juan 1aken Possession
Of by tie american Soldiers under Gen. Harney
Great Excitement. and a .Speck Of War.

From Washington Territory, we have in
telligence concerning difficulties about the
invasion of San Juan Island by the American
troops. The following letter in the San
Francisco Times. explains the whole matter :
THE INVASION OF SAN JUAN ISLAND.
VICTORIA. V. l., August T. 1852
Some weeks ago, came to this port on the
u. S. S. Massachusetts,, Gen. Harvey. His
arrival was acknowledged by a salute, and,
after days sojourn as the guest of Gov.
Douglas, he passed on to the other side
A few days after the Generals departure
for Puget Sound, our town was thrown into
the greatest excitement by the news that
company of American troops had seized the
disputed island of San Juan. and that bar
racks were being established upon it. No
one knew by whom the act was authorized,
and especially did certain chivalric Amer-
cans, with ilibustering proclivities, seem not
to care.
Very soon vessels for the conveyance of
passengers to the seat of war were in de-
mand. Small boats were chartered for the
trip, and several steamboats, departed with
visitors. both English and American. to the
Island of San Juan, distance of fifteen or
twenty miles from this place. Two of the
English vessels of war from Esquimalt bar
Dor, had gene over on the first reception of
the news. In the harbor of San Juan were
found, besides several British men-of.war. the
U. s. ships Massachusetts, Shabric, and
Revenue Cutter from Puget Sound. COM
pany of American soldiers, to the number of
forty or fifty, had tsken possession of the
Island. and quite boldly indicated their in
tention to keep il, as will be seen by the fol-
lowing order. which was posted in various
places about the Island:
MILITARY PosT. san JUAN Islam
w. T., July 9th, 1859.
[Orders. No. IL
l. In compliance with orders, and instruc-
tions from the General Commanding. a Mill.
tary Post will be established on this island,
on whatever site the Commanding Officer
may select.
2. All the inhabitants of the Island are re-
quested to report at once To the Commanding
Officer. in case of any incursions of the
Northern Indians-so that be may take such
steps he may deem necessary to prevent
any future occurreHee Of the same.
3. This being United States Territory, no
laws other than those of the United States,
nor Courts, except such as are held by virtue
of said laws. will be recognized or allowed
ON this island. -
BY order Of CAPTAIN PICKETT.
James w. Forsyth,
I'd Lieut., 9lh Infantry, Post Adjutant
lut ulci, hppcdiS iudt
desired 20 avoid a collision, as their ability,
at any moment, to take the island can scarce
~ be dOuted; is was their wish to gain
jont military occupation Of the island with
our troops, until orders could be received
from the heads of the two Governments.
A proposition TO that effect having been made,
was rejected but il is believed will yet be
acceded 10.
Affairs have rested in this plight with lit
tie change, during the past week. A small
company or two from Fort Bellingham, have
added to the American forces. and a number
of Americans have gone from this place, and
Washintong Territory, with the ayowed inten
too Ut settling AT San Juan. A British yes
sci OF war brought down some sappers and
miners fIQm Fraser river tea days since,
aud renewed the request to land their forces.
but were refused. They bad not landed at
the last accounts, and matters remained ia
sfass quo.
On Wednesday, Gov. Douglas issued pro-
test against the occupation of San Juan Is
laad by the Americans, aud declared the
island 10 belong to Her Majesty, Queen Vic
toria. His Exeellency also seut TIE enclosed
message 60 she Vancouver Legislative As
seFnbly, vest rday, Ia which il Is declared
that the British forces will be landed on the
island. II such b. their iaiention. coils
lon seeems Inevitable.
The disputed Island lies north-wesierly
from tie entrance 20 Puget Sound aud the
mainland OF Washington territory, 10 The
vicinity Of Port Townsend--the broad and
beautiful Strait of Faca being betseea.
Sailing from the South 20 Victoria acro-s the
Faea, san Juan appears 10 be part OF Van-