Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

No. 1190.]

Sir: I have just received information, by telegraph, from Montreal, that the felons who proceeded from Canada into Vermont and committed the crimes of robbery, burglary, and murder at St. Albans, in that State, and who were arrested in Canada upon a requisition of this government, under the tenth article of the treaty of the 9th of August, 1842, have been set at liberty; that the stolen money which was found upon them has been restored to them, and that they are now at large near the border of the United States, in the province aforenamed.

This grave circumstance renders it my duty, under the direction of the President, to ask whether her Majesty’s government has taken or purposes to take, any measures to prevent a renewal of the invasions of the territory and sovereignty of the United States from the border provinces. If such measures [Page 38] have been taken, or are to be taken, this government desires to know their character, so far as it may be consistent with the interests of Great Britain to communicate the same.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.