JACKSON, United States Consul to Vice-Admiral Wellesley, September 1, 1870

Mr. M. M. Jackson to Vice-Admiral Wellesley.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of yesterday, suggesting an application to the Dominion authorities for the in formation which I requested.

I addressed you under the impression that the imperial and Dominion authorities were coöperating and acting under the same orders, regulations, and instructions in reference to all matters connected with the protection of the in-shore fisheries.

As American fishermen are almost daily visiting this port on their way to the fishing banks, it becomes a matter of great importance to them to know whether any orders have been issued by your excellency, as the representative of the imperial government, to prevent them from obtaining such supplies as have been customary, both before and since the treaty of 1818, in all the ports of the British North American provinces.

Since addressing you I have understood that the commanders of her Majesty’s vessels, acting under the authority of your excellency, have notified American fishermen bound to the fishing banks that they would not be permitted to procure ice or other supplies in any of the colonial ports, and that any attempt to procure such supplies would subject their vessels and cargoes to seizure and confiscation.

As consul of the United States I am frequently applied to by American citizens engaged in the deep-sea fisheries for information on this subject. To enable me to give such information I have respectfully to request you to furnish me with copies of any orders issued by your excellency in relation to supplies to American fishermen.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,