Mr. Stuart to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday, in which you request to be furnished with a copy of the evidence laid before her Majesty’s government, relative to the circumstances under which the steamer Margaret and Jessie was chased by the United States gunboat Rhode Island and driven on shore on the coast of Eleuthera in the month of May last, in order that an opportunity may be afforded to the accused party to rebut that evidence before a court-martial or court of inquiry, as may be directed.
As the evidence in question has not been forwarded to me, I am unable, at present, to comply with your request, but I shall not fail to communicate a copy of your note to Earl Russell by the first opportunity.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my highest consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.