Mr. van Limburg to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note of the 17th instant, informing me of a letter addressed to you by the Secretary of the Navy, and of a report made to him by the commander of the United States steamer Pembina, relative to the capture of the Netherlands ship Geziena Hildegonda by the said steamer.
As for all that results from such reports, our ship in going from a neutral port to a neutral port—that is to say, from Liverpool to Matamoras—-prima facie, and in absence of proof to the contrary, should have been considered as in lawful commerce and navigation, from which it should not have been caused to deviate. I cannot (in the inadequate knowledge I thus far have of the facts in the case [Page 401] and of the circumstances) but renew the protests and reservations which I deemed it my duty to do in the letter which I had the honor to address to you under date of the 28th December last.
I will, however, hasten to communicate to the king’s government the papers which you have done me the honor to send to me.
I have the honor, sir, to reiterate to you the assurance of my very high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America, Washington,