Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 2, 1872, Part II, Volume V

Affidavit of Thomas McManus.

United States of America, Territory of Washington, ss:

I, Thomas McManus, of the City of Townsend, County of Jefferson, and Territory of Washington, do solemnly declare that I am a citizen of the United States, of the age of fifty-one years.

On the 2d day of May, 1841, I was serving as an ordinary seaman, on board the United States ship Vincennes, in the United States exploring expedition, Charles Wilkes, United States Navy, Commanding Expedition, and we entered these waters about the above date. I was in the Boat Expedition, surveying both Canal de Haro and Rosario Straits. I served during the whole cruise of the expedition.Wilkes surveys canal de Haro in 1841.

In 1858 I returned to Washington Territory, and since that time I have been constantly sailing in these waters. I know both channels well, and have been frequently in them, but never in Rosario Straits in a Ship. From my knowledge of said Rosario Straits, I do not think it a safe passage for sailing-vessels. From uncertainty of winds during summer months, and adversity of currents, the passage is unsafe without the use of towing; and in my knowledge it is not, nor has it ever been used by vessels going to or coining from the Gulf of Georgia. The Canal de Haro is the natural route for vessels from Victoria to the Gulf of Georgia and the Northern Coast. It is a safe and good shipchannel, broad, deep, and plenty of sea-room, and less danger from hidden rocks than in Rosario Straits. For heavy-draught Vessels it is the only Channel which can be used.

Since I have been here (1858) the Canal de Haro is the Channel invariably used by vessels, American and English, Steam and other vessels going into the Gulf of Georgia from Victoria or the Straits of Fuca.

THOMAS MCMANUS.

*Territory of Washington, County of Thurston, ss: [87]

Before me, Joseph H. Houghton, Clerk of the Supreme Court of said Territory, came Thomas McManus, who being first duly sworn, did depose and say that he had carefully read the foregoing statement, and knew the contents thereof; that the same had been dictated by him; and that so much thereof as was stated from his own knowledge was true, and so much thereof as was stated upon information he verily believes to be true.Affidavits on the canal de Haro.

Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court this 20th day of March, A. D. 1872.

[seal.]

JOSEPH H. HOUGHTON, Clerk Supreme Court, Washington Territory.