Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.
Washington,
September 9, 1864.
Sir: Lord Lyons, on the 12th July, had the
honor of informing you that her Majesty’s principal secretary of state
for foreign affairs had caused the resolution of the New York Chamber of
Commerce in the case of the Chesapeake to be communicated to the
magistrate who had charge of that vessel at Halifax, and to Sir Samuel
Cunard.
I beg now to enclose copy of a letter from the colonial officer, which
gives Mr. Secretary Cardwell’s reasons for not forwarding to the judge
of the admiralty court at Halifax a copy of the 4th resolution of that
chamber, which
[Page 704]
contains an
acknowledgment of his upright proceedings in the case of the
above-mentioned vessel.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Elliot to Mr. Hammond.
Downing Street,
July 16, 1864.
Sir: I am directed by Mr. Secretary
Cardwell to acknowledge your letter of the 28th ultimo, accompanied
by certain resolutions passed by the New York Chamber of Commerce
with regard to the case of the Chesapeake.
I am desired to acquaint you that Mr. Cardwell has not deemed it
expedient to forward to the judge of the admiralty court at Halifax
a copy of the fourth resolution, which contains an acknowledgment of
his upright proceedings in the matter.
There can be no doubt that the decision of the judge was founded on
the perfectly pure and impartial motives which befit his trust and
characterize the administration of justice in the British courts;
and Mr. Cardwell has thought that it would be unsuitable to convey
to him anything in the nature of compliment from that one of the two
parties before him in whose favor he felt it his duty to pronounce
his judgment.
I am, &c.,
E. Hammond, Esq., &c, &c., &c.
