Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 31st ultimo, in which you inform me that the government of Canada have authorized P. Fortin, esq., the magistrate commanding the government vessel La Canadienne, employed in protecting the fisheries of Canada, to issue fishery licenses on the payment of fifty cents per ton of measurement of the vessels proposed to be used in fishing, these licenses to remain in force during this season, and to confer upon the holders of them, as far as the Canadian fisheries are concerned, all the rights enjoyed by the fisherman of the United States under the reciprocity treaty, and that this measure is provisional.
In reply, I have the honor to inform you that this provisional arrangement is duly appreciated by this government as evincing an amicable and liberal spirit on the part of the authorities of Canada, and that it will be made public, for the information of parties interested in the Canadian fisheries.
Concurring in your friendly wishes for an early and satisfactory adjustment of questions of trade and intercourse between her Majesty’s provinces and the United States, I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
The Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.