Page:Alaskan boundary tribunal (IA alaskanboundaryt01unit).pdf/42

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
34
ARGUMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

ef Lyon Canal, as it ie Init down in Artaysmith's last map, or alant the one hundred and thirty-fifth degree of west longitule, as the bowndary in the inte- rior of the continent.

Mr. G@. Canning in his letter of January 15, L824, to Sir C. Bagot siti:

The most southern establishment of Rossin on the northwest coast of America is Sitka, which is not laid down in our latest mape with enficvient exactness, but whieh appoam by the Russian map pablished in 1802 to be situatel, as the inelosedl copy of a Jetter from Mr. Pelly. chairman of the Tudson’s Bay Company, also represents it, in latitude 57°, and net (as the mapof which acopy was inclosed to your Excelleney indicates) on the continent, but on a small island of the same name at the jeuth of Norfolk Sound; the langer islands contiguous thereto, forming (what is called by Vancouver) Kinge George’s Archipelago, are separated from each other by a strait ealled Chatham Strait, and from the mainland hy another strait, called Stephen's Strait or passage.’

Mr, Canning will perceive by the inclosed Russian Chart (copied from Vaneouver's survey) that the Russian settlement of Sitka ison a mall island they have so namerl im the mouth of Norfolk Sound and in latitude A7° 6’ N. The great istind contign- ous to it is named by Vancouver “ King George's Archipelago,” and the strait which separates it from anether island (Adiniralty Island} js named “Chatham Strait,’ &

In the Hudsows Bay Company's letter to Mr. G. Cunning (No.

+), dated London, January Ll, i24. Mr. Polly presents his compliments to Mr. Secretury Canning, and, as in the vonversation he had with Mr. Canning he seemed te consider Mr. Faden's map ae the niost authentic (an opinion which i so importunt a question of that of settling a natural boundary it may, perhaps, be ddngerons hastily to admit), Mr. Vetly has had the posts of the Iinlson’s Bay Comyeiny, in that part of the territory ander consideration, marked on it; he has likewise bad coloured the propose Hine from Lynn Canal, the northern extremity of Chatham Strait, as well ax the Jes objectional one [rom Mount Elias. *

The Faden map here referred to is undoubtedly that published in London June i, 1525 (No. 10 of the British Atlrs). about seven mouths before the letter in question wis written. In that letter also occurs the following: **'The map is sent herewith, and likewise a copy of G. HL von Langsdoris acconnt of his voyage to the northwest coust of America, in the fourth chapter of which is a full description of Sitcha.” Langsdorif's map, illustrating his voy- age, is No. 7 of the British Athi. No other specific references

alls, OC, Aggn, 144. ®Memorandnm, January 18, 824, App. Britizh Case, p. 59.

«B.C, App., pr. 65. 5