Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward
Sir: In jour note of the 8th ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter of the 4th ultimo from the Secretary of the Navy, relative to the schooner James Douglass, it was stated that R. A. Porter had received directions to send the said schooner to New York; and, on her arrival, she was to be delivered up to the owners upon their renouncing all claims for the use of the vessel.
Subsequently, on the 30th ultimo, I had the honor of bringing to your notice a letter of Mr. Morris, the agent, making certain propositions with regard to the sale of the vessel.
From recent accounts she appears still to be lying at Beaufort, and the longer she stays there the less she will fetch if put up for sale. I would, therefore, request that Mr. Morris’s proposition be taken into consideration, as I think his observations were fair and just as regards the use made of the vessel by the United States government.
I would propose that the vessel be brought at once to New York, as first directed by the Navy Department, and then regularly appraised and settlement made with the owners as to a fair price, as suggested by the agent.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William II. Seward, &c., &c., &c.