Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Limburg.
Sir: In answer to your second note of this date, in which you request the proof upon which Major General Butler based his proceedings against the consul of the Netherlands at New Orleans, I have to inform you, with entire frankness, that my communications to you upon the subject have been drawn from the report of that officer with reference to his proceedings in that city, generally, up to the 16th of last month, the date of the report. That document not being accompanied by any proof of the allegations against the consul, it is quite beyond my power, at this time, to comply with your request.
I offer to you, sir, a renewed assurance of my very high consideration.
Mr. Roest Van Limburg, &c., &c., &c.