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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley.

Department of State, Washington, October 6, 1864.

Sir: Information has been received at this department that the agents of the insurgent enemies of the United States are engaged in fitting out vessels at Nassau, New Providence, with a view to piratical operations against the commerce of the United States. The steamer Hope, which sailed on the 23d of August last from that port, bound for Wilmington, is represented to be a vessel of that character.

I will thank you to invite the attention of the proper colpnial authorities of her Majesty to the matter, with a view to the prevention of such enterprises.

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

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.