Mr. Smyth to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, and to state, in reply, that the records of the several departments of this custom-house do not enable me to furnish any facts or information in regard to the subject-matter to which you refer.
If specific data—say name of vessel and date of sailing—were at hand, it is believed that the files of this office would repudiate the suggestions of the writer of the enclosure of your letter.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.