It is, indeed, time for us to begin to search, and in the right places, too, in order to put a stop to these perpetual encroachments upon our territory and rights.  Our first object should be to ascertain and trace the north boundary of Nova Scotia, which is the south boundary of the Province of Quebec, and see if Canada comes as far down as Mars Hill.  And we should proceed to finish taking the elevations on the due north line to some point where the waters divide.  The General Government should be immediately called on to execute the work, with the cooperation of Massachusetts and Maine.  Notice should be given to the British authorities to unite in the undertaking, and if they refuse our Government ought to proceed ex parte.  The act would be entirely pacific, as the object would be to ascertain facts—­much more pacific than the survey, without notice, of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad through our territory, not for the purpose of ascertaining a boundary, but to assume jurisdiction.

Your committee have gone through this tedious investigation with all the deliberation, exactness, and candor which our time, means, and feelings would allow.  Our animadversions may in some instances have been strong, and even severe, but we think we have expressed the sentiments and feelings of the people of Maine, suffering under protracted injuries.  This State should take a firm, deliberate, and dignified stand, and one which it will not retract.  While it awards to the General Government all its legitimate powers, it will not be forgetful of its own.  We call upon the President and Congress.  We invoke that aid and sympathy of our sister States which Maine has always accorded to them.  We ask, nay we demand, in the name of justice, HOW LONG we are to be thus trampled down by a foreign people?  And we trust we shall meet a cordial and patriotic response in the heart of every republican of the Union.

Your committee therefore submit the following resolutions: 

STATE OF MAINE.

RESOLVES relative to the northeastern boundary.

Resolved, That we view with much solicitude the British usurpations and encroachments on the northeastern part of the territory of this State.

Resolved, That pretensions so groundless and extravagant indicate a spirit of hostility which we had no reason to expect from a nation with whom we are at peace.

Resolved, That vigilance, resolution, firmness, and union on the part of this State are necessary in this state of the controversy.

Resolved, That the governor be authorized and requested to call on the President of the United States to cause the northeastern boundary of this State to be explored and surveyed and monuments erected according to the treaty of 1783.

Resolved, That the cooperation of Massachusetts be requested.

Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed and our Representatives requested to endeavor to obtain a speedy adjustment of the controversy.