Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley.
Sir: This department has been informed that the steamer Mary, which formerly, under the name of the Alexandra, was charged in the British courts with having been built for the naval service of the insurgents, has arrived at Halifax for the supposed purpose of there being armed and equipped for that service. It is consequently suggested that you communicate with the governor of Nova Scotia, in order that the hostile designs of that vessel against the United States and their shipping may not be carried into effect from any port within his jurisdiction.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.