George Bancroft to James Buchanan, March 29, 1847

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Buchanan.

Sir: * * * * * * *

While on this point I ought to add that my attention has again been called to the probable wishes of the Hudson’s Bay Company to get some of the islands on our side of the line in the Straits of Fuca. I speak only from my own judgment and inductions from what I observe and hear; but it would not surprise me if a formal proposition should soon be made on the part of the British Government to run the line between the two countries at the west from the point where it first meets the water through the straits to the Pacific Ocean.Mr. Bancroft warns Mr. Buchanan of the designs of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Such a proposition is in itself very proper, if there be no ulterior motive to raise unnecessary doubts and to claim islands *that are properly ours. The ministry, I believe, has no such design. Some of its members would be the first to frown on it. But I am not so well assured that the Hudson’s Bay Company is equally reasonable, or that on the British side a boundary commissioner might not be appointed favoring the encroaching propensities of that company. * *[61]

I am, &c.,