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LAST PHASE OF OREGON BOUNDARY 193

nations. Steps were taken in August, 1856 to determine \ finally the boundary when an act was passed appointing a com- I missioner and a surveyor to serve with the British commission. I Archibald Campbell was the commissioner, and Lieutenant John G. Parke was chief astronomer and surveyor. The Brit- ish commissioners were Captain James C. Prevost, R. N. and Captain Henry Richards R. D. Campbell and Parke joined their colleages at Victoria on June 22, 1857. Pending the final disposition, the inspector of customs took account of goods landed, and the county continued to assess for taxes. The ar- rangement looked about as trouble-proof as it could be made, but we are to see how, in spite of it, trouble did occur.

THE CRISIS OF 1859. 1. GENERAL HARNEY'S VIGOROUS ACTION.

\Yithout warning to the British authorities. Captain George Pickett (in a few years to achieve fame at Gettysburg) com- manding Company I). (| th Infantry, landed with hi-, men <".: San Juan July 27, 1859, and the fat was in the- fire. In occupying the island in this way he was acting under orders fronTGeneral W. S. Harney, who, in October,

up the command of the new Department of Oregon. General Harney's military experience had been mainly that of sup- pressing Indians ; he came to Oregon from Utah where he had shown great prowess in this type of warfare. Acting As- sistant Adjutant Pleasanton, in transmitting the General's orders to the Captain, stated the reasons for the step :

"The General commanding instructs me to say the object to be attained in placing you thus is two-fold, viz.: First. To protect the inhabitants of the island from the incursions of the northern Indians of British Columbia and the Russian possessions . . . Secondly. Another serious and important duty will devolve upon you in the occupation of San Juan Island, arising from the conflict- ing interests of the American citizens and the Hudson's