Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have received a letter from a Mr. Charles A. Russell, who states that he is captain of the British sloop Racer, of Nassau, N. P.; that he was captured ff Bull’s bay by the United States schooner Hope, on the 1st instant; that his vessel had no cargo, and that his register and clearance papers were all legal and correct. After a delay of a week off Charleston, under protest, he was sent to Beaufort, N. C, where he now is, in tow of a gunboat. The sloop’s papers he informs me are detained by Admiral Dahlgren, at Port Royal. The sloop itself hauled ashore, stripped and nearly wrecked, whilst himself and crew were held as prisoners, without any trial or investigation.
I have to request you to cause the Navy Department to make an investigation of this case, in order that if wrong has been inflicted, redress may be offered.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.