Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley
Sir: I have received your note of the 9th of March, which relates to John Warrington, a British subject, whose parents desire that he may be discharged from a voluntary enlistment in the United States military service.
A copy of a letter, signed by B. Adderly, accompanies your note, and tenders his personal guarantee for the performance of certain conditions proposed therein. The letter shows that it is this person Adderly who is engaged in moving her Majesty’s government for their good offices in this case.
Among those British subjects who were the first to institute a contraband trade with the insurgents, in violation of our laws, and in contempt of the Queen’s proclamation, is a house established in Nassau and Liverpool, under the name of Adderly & Co. It is presumed that the name in the present case is connected with that house. I will thank you to inquire whether this is the fact. If so, I must ask that the case be relieved of the intervention of Adderly. I cannot treat, directly or indirectly, with a person who is so vicious as to dishonor his own country and send desolation abroad through mine upon the motive of commercial gain. I desire that the British nation may understand that, since they divide in regard to the United States, we do not confound the just and the good with the unjust and depraved.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.