Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 26th instant, informing me that, owing to recent piratical proceedings on Lake Erie, it had been found necessary to increase the observing force of the United States on the American lakes lying between the United States and her Majesty’s possessions, and beg to state, in reply, that I shall forward a copy of that note to her Majesty’s government. Without wishing to prejudge the question, I must leave it to her Majesty’s government to decide as to whether such a measure, although only temporary in its effect, can be warranted by treaty stipulations.
I would, however, simply here recall to your recollection a note of Lord Lyons, addressed to you on the 4th ultimo, which set forth the views of her Majesty’s government, when the question of abrogating the treaty limiting the naval force to be maintained upon the American lakes was brought before Congress.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c, &c.