Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the government of Canada have authorized P. Fortin, esquire, the magistrate commanding the government vessel [Page 236] La Canadienne, employed in protecting the fisheries of Canada, to issue fishery licenses on the payment of the sum of fifty cents per ton of measurement of the vessels proposed to be used in fishing.
These licenses will remain in force during this season, and will confer upon the holders of them, as far as the Canadian fisheries are concerned, all the rights enjoyed by the fishermen of the United States under the reciprocity treaty.
This measure is of a provisional nature, and I trust that before another fishery season arrives an opportunity will be afforded of placing this and other matters affecting the trading relations between the United States and the provinces on a permanent and satisfactory footing.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.