Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward
Washington,
December 28, 1864.
Sir: With reference to your note of the 14th
instant, relating to suspicions entertained that two vessels in course
of construction in Montreal are intended
[Page 30]
to be employed for purposes hostile to the United
States, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith copy of a despatch
which I have received from the governor general of Canada, by which you
will perceive that his excellency will cause an investigation to be
made.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
Viscount Monck to Mr. Burnley
QUEBEC, December 22,
1864,
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your despatch of the 15th instant, with its enclosures,
respecting two vessels now building at Montreal, alleged to be for
the naval service of the so-called Confederate States.
In reply, I have the honor to state that I will cause the suspicious
circumstances connected with these vessels to be strictly
investigated, and will be guided in my actions by the facts which
may be elicited.
I may add, that there is no fear of any immediate danger from these
vessels, as the navigation of the St. Lawrence is now closed for the
season, and it is impossible that these vessels can leave Montreal
for the next four or five months.
I have, &c., &c.,
J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
