Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

No. 74.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 3d of March, No. 41. It was accompanied by a copy of a note which on the 2d instant you addressed to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, containing evidence that the Rappahannock is used by pirates harbored in England as a receiving ship for crews for the Olinde and other ships of that class in foreign waters. The representation contained in the note is fully approved, and this government confidently [Page 248] expects that the imperial government will not long delay to put an end, within its jurisdiction, to practices hostile to the United States, and inconsistent with the peace of nations.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWAKD.

John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c. Paris.