No. 209.
Mr. Bayard to Sir L.
West.
Washington, August 17, 1886.
Sir: An affidavit has been filed in this Department by Reuben Cameron, master of the American schooner Golden Hind, of Gloucester, Mass., setting forth that, on or about the 23d of July ultimo, being out of water, he attempted to put into Port Daniel, Bay of Chaleurs, to obtain a fresh supply; that at the entrance of the bay, about four or five mites from land, the Golden Hind was boarded by an officer from the Canadian schooner E. F. Conrad, and by him ordered not to enter the Bay of Chaleurs; that said officer furnished Captain Cameron with a printed warning with this indorsement written thereon: “Don’t enter the Bay of Chaleurs, M. S.;” and that in consequence of said act of the Canadian officer the Golden Hind was obliged to go across to Tignish, Prince Edward Island, to obtain water, whereby his fishing venture was interfered with, and loss and injury caused to the vessel and her owners.
I have the honor to protest against this act of officers of Her Britannic Majesty as not only distinctly unfriendly and contrary to the humane usages of civilized nations, but as in direct violation of so much of Article I of the convention of 1818 between the United States and Great Britain as secures forever to American fishermen upon the British North American coast admission to the bays or harbors thereof for the purpose of obtaining water. And for all loss or injury which may be shown to have accrued by reason of the act in question the Government of Her Britannic Majesty will be held justly liable.
I have farther the honor to ask with all earnestness that the Government of Her Britannic Majesty will cause steps to be forthwith taken to prevent and rebuke acts so violative of treaty and of the common rites of hospitality.
I have, &c.,