Edw’d Thornton to Hamilton Fish, June 2, 1870

Mr. Thornton to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 31st ultimo relative to the exception which you took to the wording of the Canadian order in council of the 8th of January last, relative to the fisheries in the neighborhood of Canada.

I am inclined to think that you are right in supposing that the limit of Canada extends as far east as Ance Sablon on the coast of Labrador, and that the Magdalen Islands are comprised within it, for I am not aware that any change has been made since the act of Parliament of 1825 quoted in your note.

I have, however, transmitted a copy of your, note to the Governor General of Canada, and shall not fail to acquaint you with the nature of his answer.