Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. de Stoeckl

Department of State, Washington December 23, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose an extract from a dispatch of the 14th of September last, addressed to me by H. G. O. Chase, esq., the vice-commercial agent of the United States at Nikolaievsk, Amoor river, in relation to the alleged interference with American whaling ships in the Okhotsk sea, and to the reported firing into one of them by Russian naval vessels.

I will thank you to inform me whether you have received any information on this subject.

Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my highest consideration,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Mr. Edward de Stoeckl, &c., &c., &c.

[Extract.]

Mr. Chase to Mr. Seward.

No. 12.]

Commercial Agency of the United States at Amoor River, Nikolaievsk, September 14, 1867.

Sir:* * * * * * * * * * *

From a reliable source I am informed that the commander of the Russian government steamer Aleout, which was in the Okhotsk sea not long since, warned out of the bay, near Shantar islands, some American whaleships which were found there. One of these, the Java, I am informed, not complying with sufficient promptitude, was fired at with solid shot, whereupon she took her departure.

* * * * * * * * * *

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H.G.O. CHASE,

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.