Mr. Stuart to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I Had the honor to receive your note of the 26th instant, informing me, with regard to the appropriation of the steamer Emma before adjudication, that you had ascertained that the proceeding was taken under misapprehension; that it is regretted by the President, and that the vessel will not be put into service, but will be held to abide the decision of the prize court in the same manner as if the proceeding had not been taken. You conclude by assuring me that no captured neutral vessel will hereafter be appropriated by the government before condemnation.
I beg you to accept my thanks for this satisfactory communication, of which I was enabled to forward a copy to her Majesty’s government by yesterday’s mail.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.