The New York herald., 1871-02-10
sir Edward Thornton co Mr.. Fish.

SIR-ln COmpllance Wiln all INSTRUCTION. received
from Earl Granville have the honor TO state chat
Her Majesty's government deem II OF importance TO
the good relations which they ever anxious should
subsist and be strengthened between the United
States and Great Britain that friendly and con-
plete understanding should be come between the
two governments as to the extent OF the rights
which belong to the citizens OF the Emitted States
and her MaJesty's subjects respectively, with
reference to the fisheries on the coasts OF
Her Malesty's possessions in North America
and as to any other questions between them
which affect the relations OF the United states
towards these possessions. As the consideration OF
these matters would, however, involve investiga-
tons OF a somewhat complicated nature, and as 1t is
very desirable tina, they should be thoroughly exa-
mined am directed by Lord Granville TO propose
to the government of the United States the appoint
menS OF Joint high commission, which shall be
composed OF members TO be named by each govern
ment. 1t shall hold its sessions at Washington and
snail treat OF and discuss the mode OF settling the
different questions which have arisen out OF the
fisheries well those which aect the relations
OF the United States towards her Majesty's posses
sions in North America. am confident that this
proposal viii be met By government in the same
cordial spirit OF friendship which has induced her
Maestys government to tender 1t, and cannot doubt
that in that case the result will not fail to
tribute TO the maintenance OF the good relations be-
tween the two countries which am convinced the
government Of the United States as well that OF
her Majesty equally have at heart.
have The honor to be, with the highest consdera-
ton, sir your most obedient, humble servant.
EDWARD THORNTON.
The Hon. HAMILTON FIsH, &C., &C., sc.
Mr.. Fish to Sir Edward Thornton.
DEPARrMENT or STATE |
sHlNGToN, Jan. 80, 1871
SIR have the honor To acknowledge the receipt
Of your OF lannary 20, In which you inform
in compliance with Instructions from Earl
Granville that her Majestys government deem
it OF Importance to the good relations
which they ever anxious saould subsiss and be
strengthened between tue United States and Great
Britain, that friendly and complete understanding
should be come TO between the two governments as
to the extent OF the righfs which belong TO the ct
Zens OF the Unlel States and her Maesty's subjects
respectively with reference TO the fisheries on the
coast of her Maesy's possessions in North America
and as 10 any other questions between them which
AFFECT che relations OF the United States towards
these possessions Aad further tnat as the consider
ton Of these questions would Involve Investigations
OF somewhat complicated nature and as 1t is very
desirable thar they should be thoroughly examined
you directed by Lord Granville to propose to the
govern nent Of the United states the appointment
OF Joint high commission, which shall be composed
OF members to be named by each government, Shall
hold It's sessions ut Washington and snail treat OF
and discuss the mode OF settling the differences
which nave arisen out OF the fisheries as wcll as
those which affect the relations OF the United
States towards her Majesty's possessions III North
America
nave laid your note before the President, who
instfucGs me to say that he shares with her Ma
jesrY's government the appreciation OF the import
orfA Ilr mud
between the two governments with reference to the
subjects specially suggested for the consideration OF
the proposed Jolnt high commission, and he fully
recognizes the friendly spirit which has prompted
the proposal The President Is, however, or the
opinion that without the adjustment OF q class or
questions not alluded to In your note the supposed
high commission would fail TO establish the pcrma-
nent relations, ana the sincere substantial and last
ing friendship between the two governments which,
in common with her Majestys government, he de-
sires should prevail. He thinks that the removal of
the differences whcn arose during the rebellion I'm
the United states, and which have existed since
then, growing out Of the acts committed by the
several vessels which have given rise TO the claims
generally known rs the alabama claims viii also
be essential to the restoration OF cordial aud AMIGA
bic relations between the two governments, He
desired me TO say that should her Majesty'5
government accept this view OF this matter and
assent that this subject also may be treated OF by
the proposed high commission, and nay thus oe put
ID tho way OF final and amicaole settlement this
government will with much pleasure appoint high
commissioners on the part Of the United states 70
mees those VINO may be appointed on behalf OF ner
Majesty's government, and viii spare no efforts to
secure, at the earliest practicable moment, a jusE
and amcabe arrangement of all the questions
which now unfortunately stand III the way of an
entire and abiding friendship between the two Ia
lions.
have the honor TO be, with the highest cons,dera
ton, sir, your very obedient servant,
HAMILTON FISH.
Sir EDWARD THORNTON, X. q. b., &C., &c.
sir Edward Thornton 70 Mr.. Fish
WASHINGTON Feo. l. 1871.