Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Olney.
Newport, R. I., September 28, 1895.
Sir: With reference to your note No. 124, of the 14th of June last, addressed to Viscount Gough, in which you inform him that the Canadian sealing schooner Shelby, of Victoria, British Columbia, had been seized by the U. S. revenue cruiser Corwin for infringing the Bering Sea award act of 1894, I have the honor to inform you that I am in receipt of a communication from Rear-Admiral Stephenson, commander in chief on the Pacific Station, informing me that he has placed the matter in the hands of Messrs. Davie, Pooley & Luxton, admiralty lawyers in Victoria, British Columbia.
Rear-Admiral Stephenson states that the trial can not take place until the close of the sealing season, and he would be obliged if arrangements could be made for the necessary witnesses being directed to attend at Victoria as soon as possible after the return of the Corwin.
Messrs. Davie, Pooley & Luxton state that the witnesses whose presence is required are Capt. Frederick M. Munger, commanding the U. S. revenue cutter Corwin, the officer under whose order the seizure of the said schooner took place, and Lieut. W. E. W. Hall, the seizing officer.
[Page 674]The evidence of any witnesses would be acceptable who can state whether the seal skins, or any of them, found on the schooner Shelby had been taken within a few days previously.
I have, etc.,