Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday, in which you inform me that the attention of her Majesty’s government has been called recently to the construction of several vessels prepared for the reception of a powerful armament which are reported to be destined for service on the North American lakes, and that in view of the convention which exists between the United States and Great Britain determining the armed force to be employed by the parties to it on the lakes, you are instructed to bring the subject under my notice, and to request explanations.
I have the honor to inform you, in reply, that any vessels of the character referred to which may be in course of construction by the United States are intended exclusively for revenue purposes, and that their armament, if any, will not be allowed to exceed the limit stipulated in the conventional arrangements.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.