"In obedience to the command of H. R. H. the prince regent, signified in a despatch from the right honorable the Earl Bathurst, addressed to the partners or agents of the North-West Company, bearing date the 27th of January, 1818, and in obedience to a subsequent order, dated the 26th July, from W. H. Sheriff, Esq., captain of H. M. ship Andromache, We, the undersigned, do, in conformity to the first article of the treaty of Ghent, restore to the government of the United States, through its agent, J. P. Prevost, Esq., the settlement of Fort George, on the Columbia river.
"Given under our hands, in triplicate, at Fort George, (Columbia River,) this 6th day of October, 1818.
"F. Hickey, Captain H. M. ship Blossom.
"J. Keith, of the N. W. Co."
The following is the despatch from Earl Bathurst to the partners of the North-West Company, referred to in the above act of cession:—
Downing-street, 27th January, 1818.
"Intelligence having been received that the United States sloop of war Ontario has been sent by the American government to establish a settlement on the Columbia river, which was held by that state, on the breaking out of the last war. I am to acquaint you, that it is the prince regent's pleasure, (without, however, admitting the right of that government to the possession in question) that, in pursuance of the first article of the treaty of Ghent, due facility should be given to the reoccupation of the said settlement by the officers of the United States; and I am to desire that you would contribute as much as lies in your power to the execution of his royal highness's command.
"I have, &c. &c.
Bathurst.
"To the Partners or Agents of the North-West Company, residing on the Columbia river."
The above documents put the case of the restoration of Fort Astoria in too clear a light to require further observation.