Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

[Extracts.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

No. 930.]

Department of State, Washington, April 30, 1864.

Sir: I have now received from Mr. Mellen, United States consul at Mauritius, dispatches which bring the narrative of proceedings in relation to the cargo of the Sea Bird down to the fourth day of March last I am thus enabled to comply with the request for instructions concerning that case which was made by you in your No. 653, dated April 8.

I have no doubt that the case is one in which the owners have a right to indemnity for the sale of their property in violation of law, at the Cape of Good Hope, and for the reception of it at Mauritius.

* * * * * * * * *

You will consider yourself authorized to present the claim whenever you shall think that it can be submitted without aggravating existing embarrassments.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.