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VOLUME XXII SEPTEMBER, 1921 NUMBER 3

Copyright, 1921, by the Oregon Historical Society The Quarterly disavows responsibility for the positions taken by contributors to its pages

THE LAST PHASE OF THE OREGON BOUNDARY QUESTION

THE STRUGGLE FOR SAN JUAN ISLAND

By ANDREW FISH

Introduction The Diplomatic Background >The Hudson's Bay Company and Vancouver Island The Hudson's Bay Company and Colonization The Effect of the Gold Rush San Juan Island The Crisis of 1859 General Harney's Vigorous Action The Crisis of 1859 Governor Douglas' Belligerent Response The Advent of Admiral Baynes Washington Intervenes Arrival of General Winfield Scott Generals Scott and Harney Who Was to Blame? President Buchanan's Attitude Later Stages of the Diplomatic Struggle Summary and Conclusion.

INTRODUCTION.

My story concerns San Juan, an island which lies in the Gulf of Georgia and is included in the State of Washington. Though too insignificant a matter to find a place in the general histories of our country, the contest between America and Britain for the sovereignty of these few acres at one particular juncture almost led to hostilities between the small armed contingents on the northwest coast; an event which, in a time