Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Williams

No. 7.]

Department of State, Washington, November 6, 1865.

Sir: Your despatch of the 26th of June last, No. 3, has been received. In reply, I have to inform you that the President is of opinion that the offender Burgevine may, upon a just conviction, be left to the Chinese custody without being reclaimed by the United States representative. But this is to be understood to rest upon our own voluntary consent upon the grounds of national honor, and not from Chinese right under treaty stipulations.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

S. Wells Williams, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.,.