Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of March 18, No. 625, has been received. The delay, perhaps I may call it the hesitation, which the magistrate exhibits in the case of the pirates of the Joseph L. Gerrity, is regarded by the President with surprise and anxiety. You will have learned before the arrival of this despatch that certain arrested offenders, who were engaged in the piracy committed on board the Chesapeake, have been set free by the judicial authorities of the colony of [Page 562] New Brunswick. That subject has been carefully considered here, and it will be my duty to direct a remonstrance concerning it to her Majesty’s government. It is to be earnestly hoped that the action of the home judiciary of the United Kingdom may not be found as objectionable and injurious as that of the province of New Brunswick.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.