Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Limburg
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 15th instant, calling my attention to certain complaints which have been made by a number of Netherland ship-owners and captains of merchant vessels, relative to outrages alleged to have been committed upon the crews of these vessels in the port of New York. In reply I have the honor to state, that the transactions thus complained of are entirely new to this government. With regard to what has already transpired, it appears that the statement makes no mention of persons, dates, or other circumstances necessary to enable this government to institute judicial examination; if you will favor us with them, the attention of the proper officers will be directed towards bringing the offenders to punishment. On the other hand, in the event of a recurrence of proceedings of the character above referred to, it becomes the duty of the legal officers and magistrates to prevent aggressions, and protect strangers engaged in lawful commerce. In doing this they are entitled to the co-operation of revenue officers; and also, in this case, of military and naval authorities who are engaged in recruiting. I beg to assure you that all needful instructions will be given to these classes of officers to prevent a recurrence of the evils of which you complain.
Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration.
Mr. Roest Van Limburg, &c., &c., &c.