Mr. Seward to Mr. van Limburg
Department of State,
Washington,
January 17, 1865.
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.