The 49th parallel was agreed upon as the boundary between the two countries, with certain concessions for a defined period, touching the rights of the Hudson-bay Company, and the navigation of the Columbia River by the British.

This treaty was promptly confirmed by the Senate, and the long controversy over the Oregon question was at rest.

It had created a deep and wide-spread excitement in the country, and came very near precipitating hostilities with Great Britain.

There is no doubt whatever that the English Government would have gone to war rather than surrender the territory north of the 49th parallel.

This fact had made the winter and early spring of 1846 one of profound anxiety to all the people of the United States, and more especially to those who were interested in the large mercantile marine which then sailed under the American flag.
UNWISE AGITATION OF THE QUESTION.
In simple truth, the country was not prepared to go to war with Great Britain in support of "our clear and unquestionable title" to the whole of Oregon.