Albert S. Johnston to J. D. S. Spencer, February 18, 1861

Capt. J. D. S. SPENCER, Senior Officer, Comdg. Her Britannic Majesty’s Ship Topaze, Esquimault, Vancouver Island:

SIR: Your letter of the 24th ultimo addressed to Col. George Wright, headquarters Department of Oregon, in relation to the occupation of land as reserves for military purposes by the officers in command, respectively, of Her Britannic Majesty’s troops and those of the United States on San Juan Island, has been submitted to me by Colonel Wright, whose late command has been merged into mine. To this I now have the honor to reply. I find all the pleasure you have derived and so kindly expressed from the very cordial and friendly feeling which has existed between the troops of the two Governments during the joint occupation. I am most desirous that this cordial and friendly feeling may continue to the end, and seeing no reason to suppose that either officer has, or is disposed to occupy, more ground than, in his judgment, is required for the comfort and discipline of his command, or to close more to settlers than is required by these interests, I think it better that, as heretofore, each be left to consult the wants of his own

‘service. Nevertheless, the proposition made by you in the third paragraph-of your letter is so clearly equitable that I cannot hesitate to accept it, if more agreeable to you. I have therefore communicated it to Captain Pickett, and instructed him to enter into it, if called on by the officer commanding Her Britannic Majesty’s troops.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,