Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 20.pdf/268

252 which the United States had possessed before the war on the Pacific ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River, but which had been broken up by a naval force, sent by the British government for that purpose. He conceived that it fell within the meaning of the first article of the Treaty of Ghent, and ought to be restored, for otherwise it would have been particularly excepted in the treaty as had been the case with the Passamaquoddy Islands, and requested to know whether I agreed in that opinion.

"I replied that I had not considered the subject which was unexpected by me; that in fact, I did not immediately call to mind what was the result of the expedition to which he alluded, and was not aware that any persons whatsoever had been left upon the spot who could affect the restoration required, should the case be thought to come under the treaty, but that I was ignorant of any transaction between the two Governments which recognized the claim of the United States to any part of the coast of the Pacific ocean.

"He did not state the foundation on which the claim to this territory rested insisting merely upon the fact of its having been captured from the United States during the war which brought it within the Treaty * * * "[Omission on the fishery question.]

"Mr. Munroe * * * led me to expect that he would make a written communication * * * relative to the restoration of the settlement on the Columbia River * * * [Omissions on fisheries.]

"P. S. Since writing the above, I have received Mr. Munroe's letter relative to the restoration of the settlement on Columbia River, a copy of which I beg leave to enclose. It is my intention in my reply to refer him to Rear Admiral Dixon, who commands in those seas. A. B."