Office of the Historian

Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.

Washington, August 25, 1864.

Sir: With reference to the note which Lord Lyons had the honor of addressing to you on the 11th ultimo, and to your reply of the 21st ultimo, relative to the case of two apprentices belonging to the British bark Cuzco, who had deserted from that ship at Valparaiso, and been taken on board the United States ship St. Mary’s, I have the honor to enclose copy of a further letter from Mr. Nicol on this subject, transmitted to me by her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, and to request you to be good enough to inform me how this case has progressed since the date of your last communication, when it had been referred to the Navy Department.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

J. HUME BURNLEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c

Mr. Nicol to Earl Russell.

7 Sweeting Street, Dale Street, Liverpool, August 7, 1864.

My Lord: Referring to my letter to your lordship of the 15th June, respecting the two apprentices belonging to the British bark Cuzco, who were detained on board the American ship-of-war St. Mary’s, at Valparaiso, in February last, I have the honor to inform your lordship that I have received the following additional information from Captain McPherson, of the Cuzco, that vessel being now in Swansea. Captain McPherson being informed that the boys, Alfred Denrile and John Williams, were on board the St. Mary’s, went to ask the assistance of the British consul in Valparaiso, who did not render him any, but recommended him to go on board and claim the boys. Captain McPherson went on board and saw both boys, and actually had hold of one of them. Fearing, however, to cause any disturbance on board the St. Mary’s, he did not struggle to retain the boy he had hold of, and the two concealed themselves.

Captain McPherson then saw the commander of the St. Mary’s, who offered to muster the crew, which was done; but, of course, the deserters did not present themselves. The commander said it was too much trouble to look for them, and Captain McPherson had to leave without them, his ship being then under orders to proceed to sea. He sailed, therefore, short of hands, and at his [Page 698] discharging and loading ports had to employ laborers to discharge and load his vessel, and had to ship two hands as substitutes, for the homeward voyage, at a high rate. Particulars of the expenses incurred are annexed. As the Cuzco is about to sail again, I am obtaining from the captain a statement of the facts of the case, in the form of a declaration, in the event of such being required by your lordship.

I may mention that at the time the boys deserted the St. Mary’s was much in want of men, and was offering every inducement to get them.

I am, &c., &c.,

WILLIAM NICOL.

Earl Russell, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Expenses incurred by Captain McPherson owing to the detention of his two apprentices on board the St. Mary’s,

For labor discharging at Tortorabello $9 00
For labor loading at Chaneral 42 52
51 52
Together $51 52 at 4s. 5d. per dollar £9 13 2
For wages of two substitutes for the homeward voyage to Swansea. 29 13 0