Mr. Seward to Mr. van Limburg

Sir: Referring to your note of the 28th ultimo, in which you ask to be informed of the motives which induced the capture of the Netherlands ship Geziena [Page 400] Hildegonda by the United States ship-of-war Pembina, I have the honor to communicate, in reply, a copy of a letter of the 14th instant from the Secretary of the Navy, and that of a report made by the commander of the capturing vessel.

Accept, sir, the renewed assurance of my very high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Mr. Roest van Limburg.

Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge;the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, enclosing a copy of a note from Mr. Roest van Limburg, the Netherlands minister, who wishes information concerning the capture of the Netherlands ship Geziena Hildegonda by the United States steamer Pembina.

The enclosed copy of a report, dated the 4th ultimo, received from Lieutenant Commander J. G. Maxwell, affords all the information on the subject in the possession of the department. The vessel has, it appears, been sent to the court at New Orleans to be adjudicated. Very respectfully, &c,

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

Lieutenant Maxwell to Mr. Welles

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have this evening seized the Holland brig Geziena Hildegonda, B. P. Janson, master, from Liverpool to Matamoras. She was discovered at 10.20 a. m., bearing north by west, and at the time standing to the southward, but close in shore. At 4.30 p. m., sent a boat in charge of Acting Ensign C. L. Crandall to overhaul her, she being within two miles of shore.

Mr. Crandall, on his return, reported her to be suspicious, having an assorted cargo, consisting of medicines, gunny cloth, iron, cloth, mule traces, &c, &c.

I have sent her in charge of Acting Ensign C. L. Crandall and Acting Master Henry T. Davis, with a crew of seven men, to New Orleans for adjudication.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J.G. MAXWELL, Lieutenant Commander, Commanding.

Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.