Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I had the honor, on the 9th ultimo, to acquaint you with certain orders in council issued by his excellency the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia, directing that American and belligerent cruisers should come to an anchorage in the regular man-of-war anchorage off the dock-yard of Halifax, and requesting that those orders might be made generally known to all commanders of federal cruisers who might be likely to visit that port.
I regret to say, however, that I received yesterday a despatch from his excellency, stating that on more than one occasion lately federal cruisers had anchored in the immediate vicinity of the port of Halifax, with a view apparently to chasing or visiting vessels leaving that port.
As this is a manifest violation of international usage, of the Queen’s regulations, and of the immediate municipal rights of the province of Nova Scotia, I feel convinced that you will see the expediency of suggesting to the Navy Department the urgent necessity and pressing importance of issuing the necessary orders, if not already issued, to the commanders of federal ships-of-war to comply in good faith with the regulations established for the port of Halifax.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.