LAST PHASE OF OREGON BOUNDARY 205
But if the British, because of their superiority of available resources, shall have actually seized San Juan? This was looked at as a possible but not a probable event ; but
"if we must be forced into a war by the violence of the British authorities, which is not anticipated, we shall abide the issue as best we may without apprehension as to the result." 37
Thanks to Admiral Baynes f no blood had been abed, and General Scott had no urinus t rni1 Mfi ffl
pose. Joint military occupation was in due course proposed to Governor Douglas, but the Governor countered with a plan to withdraw the soldiers and have joint civil occupation. The menace of Indians seemed sufficient reason to General Scott for maintaining some forces on the island, and Douglas, after the General had refused civil occupation, submitted the sug- gestion of joint military occupation to his government. On November 3 Douglas wrote to Scott :
"Should you, sir, after the explanations I have herein
given in reference to my official powers and position, pro-
ceed to carry out your pacific mission, and divest the
large military force now on San Juan of its menacing
attitude by removing it from the island, we will instantly
withdraw the British naval force now maintained there;
and as soon as I receive the instructions of my govern-
ment, I shall be glad to co-operate with you in arrang-
ing a plan for the temporary maintenance of order and
protection of life and property upon the island."
A positive assurance was given that nothing should be done
by British authority to prejudice the status established by the
Marcy correspondence of 1855. For his part Scott issued
orders immediately for the evacuation of the island, except-
ing that one company under Captain Hunt should remain.
Pickett was not to stay. Hunt was given copies of the cor-
respondence so that he would understand
"the spirit in which it is expected you will execute the delicate and important trust confided to you, the general having full confidence in your intelligence, discretion, and
~37IWd.
