.MTgzNQ.MjM2OTU

VIII

pointed in pursuance of a resolve for that purpose, and who was also instructed to communicate such other information in regard to the Northeastern boundary as was considered for the interest of the State. Copies of the same resolutions, together with other documents relating to the subject, have been forwarded to the Governours of the several States, and to each of the members of the present Congress. In compliance with the recommendations of the Executive of the United States, repeatedly and ardently expressed, the government of Maine has uniformly refrained from the forcible exertion of jurisdiction over those portions of the disputed, territory where it would necessarily lead to collision with the British authorities and have continued with confidence to rely upon the General Government for the enforcements of our rights and the protection of the territory, which we not only claim, but know to be within the limits of Maine. I am ware that the opinion is generally and perhaps justly entertained, that if a different course had been adopted by Maine before the negotiations respecting the boundary had commended, this unfortunate question, by which the integrity of our territory is endangered, would never have arisen. But in the present State of the controversy much difficulty and embarrassment would be the consequence of disregarding the earnest - recommendation of the national Executive and adopting measures to enforce our jurisdiction over the small settlement at enforce our jurisdiction over the small settlement at Madawaska. Measures for that purpose to be effectual would require a detachment of the militia to be stationed at that place, in which event, we should not only be in collision with Great Britain, but acting in apposition to the expressed wishes of the Government of the United States. It is difficult