Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: I transmit with this communication a copy of the following papers, namely: a note from this department of the 14th of January last, relative to the movements of the steamer Sea King or Shenandoah, one of the 14th of February, relative to those of the steamer Ajax, both addressed to the British minister, and one of the 1st instant from J. Hume Burnley, esq., enclosing in his reply a copy of a despatch of the 14th of last month, addressed to him by the lieutenant governor of Bermuda.
This correspondence is sent to you as a new illustration of the error of referring us to laws that are unavailing for protection. In that sense you will make such use of it as may in your judgment best promote the adoption by the proper authorities of measures which will remedy this evil.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[For enclosures see correspondence with British legation, current series.]