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to your consideration and to that of Massachusetts, and the Nation both of which will fail an interest not only in the protection of our fellow citizens in Maine but in the other relation of the subject. A letter was therefore sent to the Lieut. Governor of Maine of New Brunswick containing a request that he would cause information of the facts relating to the arrest of Baker to be returned. While in his reply he acknowledged, in favorable terms, the amicable disposition professed by this Government, so far as on the occasion it was represented, he declined to make the explanations requested, excepting to those with whom he is directed to correspond or under whose orders he is placed.

  It must be known to you that in addition to the means above mentioned, Mr Davis was appointed to obtain the information, which all have appeared to consider desirable. From what has transpired there is no doubt in my mind of the intention of the government of New Brunswick to extend its jurisdiction and to confirm it if possible, over the whole disputed territory.  I cannot but profess to you the disposition on my own part, subject to your direction, to offer some difficulties against such a course; but it is not to be doubted that the United States government and that of Great Britain will perceive on being furnished the facts, that the government of New Brunswick has advanced beyond the line of tenable ground & seems not to have listened to those recommendations of mutual forbearance which have been rung so loud that we did not notice its invasions.

Another of the objects of the mission of Mr Davies was to obtain the release of Mr baker, whose arrest was thought not only to be cognizable by the United States, but by the particular State of which he is a citizen. His confinement in the gaol at Fredricton was an act of power which, considering the nature of the facts as far as developed, required early attention, and the course pursued was accordingly adopted, not, however, without a careful examination of principles and presidents. If you shall think the measure as involving any excess in the exertion of State power, it would seem to be desirable not to allow it