Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-09-28
AN ARRIVAL DIRECT FROM THE ISLAND OF SAN
JUAN-THE EFFORTS OF GOV DOJIGT. As tn
PREClPlTATE ACOLLISION-R REASONS FOR TIJE
AMERICAN OCCUPATION, &c
W AsHINGTON. SUNDAY. S.nt %

WASHtNGroS, Sunday. Sent %
Col Rankin, Register of the Land Office M olymn;,
Washington Territory has arrived here from the IsnJ
OF San Juan He reports that if the intentions of GOV
Douglass had been carried out there would have been
colon between the British and American forces as th,.
Satellite and Pi'0npsr had orders IRON him to sbut
Admiral Bayne opportunely arrived and superseded hin,
in the command of the English ships of warfye in num-
Der The original misunderstanding was with the IIudso
Bay Company, the interests of which were rrnrep,J
by Douglass
The Island Of San Juan had been in the occup,,;op If
the Americans for at least eighteen months no body
seeming TO question their rights and has been for lon
ger period considered and treated in all respect "a he
longing to Washington Territory. 1t was not until Gen
Harvey applied 10, aud was informed by Round,ry Co,
missioner Campbell that title the island was clear
and certain that he dispatched troops thher the
nest request of the residents who claimed nrocctio,
from British aggression, and especially from the pre-
u'oy ncursons OF the Northern Indians who had even
taken and held possession OF lighthouse for three ays
and against whom private expeditions had repeatedly
been sent TO chastise them
Col. Rankin SAYS the people O, Washingto, and a.,
Pacific States unanimous for our retention of The
island and such their enthusiasm that if the limited
States troops should be directed yacae IT, private mar
Ties, IN formidable numbers, would Immediately occuny
that important position, and surrender il without
severe struggle But it is supposed in this cv tina,
our troops will be Withdrawn this would be considered
"a an admission that title is clearly dispuable
The following is copy OF Gen Harney's letter 20
ov Douglass, after the receipt of the protest of the
latter
HEAD-QUAErERs, Department of Oregon
Fort Vancouver, W. T., Aug 6. 1859
Has ErcsHsncy James Douglas, c. B. Governor of Yam
coHrsr'S Island a., and admiral Of ne sauS
SIR have the honor inform YOU of the RECENT of
an Official copy OF protest made by you to the occuna
ton OF san Juan Island, in Puget Sound bv company
OF United States soldiers under my command
This aforesaid copy furnished by Capt Hornby of
Her Maesiys ship Tribune to the United States officer
in command at San Juan Island Capt Geo. Pickett of
tie 9Th Infantry of the American army together with
communication threatening joint occupation of the San
Juan Island by the forces OF Her Maestys ships TJas
PnaPer and Satellite, in the harbor of that Island
by your order.
As the military commander of the department of Ore
CON- assigned to that command by the President of the
United ht~vs, have sts.e for yoar infor
nation, that by such authority invested in me naced
military command upon the Island of San Juan 70 nro
tect the American citizens residing that island from
the insults and ndgntes which the British authorities
oil Naneouvers Island and the establishment of the Hud
sons Bay Company have recently offered them by send
ing British shpofwar from Nanconyers Island to con
yey the chief factor Of the HudsQns Bay Company TO
san JUAN for the purpose of seizng an American cit
zen and iorebly transporting him Yancouvers Island
TO he tried by British laws.
have reported this attempted outrage to nv Govern
ent and they will doubtless seek the proper redress
from the British Government. In the meantime | have
the honor to inform your EXceency shall not permit
repetition of that insult, and shall retain command
on san Juan Island TO protect It's citizens in the name of
the United States, until receive further orders from INV
Government -
have the honor to be- very respectfully your obedi
eht servant w. $. HARVEY,
Brig. Gen. u. S. Army commanding