Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley
Sir: Referring to your communication of the 26th of November last, so far as it relates to the capture and destruction of the steamer Night Hawk, and to the treatment of her crew at the time of her capture, and while they were on board the Niphon, I have the honor to enclose a copy of the record of the proceedings of a naval court of inquiry held at Boston, Massachusetts, for the purpose of investigating the matter.
Upon examination of the circumstances of the case as they are disclosed in those proceedings, it is considered that they involve no ground of complaint against this government or its naval officers.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Note.—The report above referred to is on file in the Navy Department.]