Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward
Washington,
April 1, 1865.
Sir: With reference to your note of the 14th of
January, and to my reply of the 17th of January, relative to the
movements of the Sea King, or Shenandoah, and also to your note of the
14th of February, relative to the movements of the Ajax, a copy of which
latter note I communicated to the lieutenant governor of Bermuda, I have
the honor to transmit to you a copy of a despatch which I have received
from his excellency.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
F.O. ADAMS, For Mr. BURNLEY.
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Hawley to Mr. Burnley
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of despatches from you dated the 17th of January, 1865, and
the 16th of February, 1865, both with enclosures from the State
Department at Washington, and both warning me of suspected
intentions on the part of the Confederate States to use British
ports for belligerent purposes.
In reply, I can only state that every vigilance will be used to
prevent or punish a breach of the law should it be attempted or take
place. Without convincing evidence it is of course impossible to set
the law in action, and the government of the United States must be
aware that the information furnished me, through you, even if it
could be substantiated here, is not of such a character as would
justify legal interference.
I have, &c
J. H. Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
