Whilst the obligations of the Federal Government to do all in its power to effect a settlement of this boundary, are fully recognized on its part, it has in the event of its being unable to [do] so specifically by mutual consent, no other means to accomplish the object, amicably, than by another arbitration, or a commission with an Umpire, in the nature of an arbitration. In the contingency of all other measures failing, the President will feel it to be his duty to submit another proposition to the Government of Great Britain to refer the decision of the question to a third party. He would not, however, be satisfied in taking this final step without having first ascertained the opinion and wishes of the State of Maine upon the subject of a negotiation for the establishment of a conventional line, and he conceives the present the proper time to seek it. I am, therefore, directed by the President to invite your Excellency to adopt such measures as you may deem necessary to ascertain the sense of the State of Maine with respect to the expediency of attempting to establish a conventional line of boundary between that State and the British possessions, by direct negotiation between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain -and whether the State of Maine will agree, and upon what conditions, if she elects to prescribe any, to abide by such settlement, if the same be made? Should the State of Maine be of opinion that additional surveys and explorations might be useful, either in leading to a satisfactory adjustment of the controversy according to the terms of the treaty, or in enabling the parties to decide more understandingly upon the expediency of opening a negotiation for the establishment of a line that would suit their mutual convenience, and be reconcilable to their conflicting interests, and desire the creation, for that purpose, of a commission upon the principles, and with the limited powers, described in the letter of Mr Fox, the President will, without hesitation, open a negotiation with Great Britain for the accomplishment of that object. I have the honor to be, With high consideration, Your Excellency's obedient servant, |