Mr. Seward to Mr. de Geofroy
Department of State,
Washington,
January 18, 1865.
Sir: Referring to previous correspondence
between yourself and this department, relative to the construction
in the ports of the United States of vessels destined to cruise
against the commerce of France under letters of marque issued
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by President Juarez, of
Mexico, I have the honor to enclose for your information a letter of
the 3d instant, with the accompaniments from the Attorney General’s
office.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your
most obedient servant,
Mr. L. de Geofroy, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Pleasants to Mr. Seward
Attorney General’s
Office,
Washington,
January 3,
1865.
Sir: By direction of the Attorney
General, I have the honor to transmit you herewith a letter from
the United States marshal for the eastern district of Louisiana,
Cuthbert Bullitt, esq., in reply to instructions addressed to
him by this office, relative to the alleged construction in New
Orleans of vessels “destined to cruise against French commerce
under letters of max que issued by Mr. Juarez, of Mexico.”
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. F. PLEASANTS, Acting Chief
Clerk
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
Mr. Bullitt to Mr. Speed
Office U. S. Marshal,
Eastern District Louisiana, New Orleans,
December 23,
1864.
Sir: I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favor of the 3d
instant, with a copy of a letter from Mr. L. de Geofroy to
the honorable Secretary of State, in which he alleges “that
there are vessels being constructed in this port destined to
cruise against French commerce under letters of marque
issued by Mr. Juarez, of Mexico.” I have made every effort
to discover if there is any foundation for this report, and
called on the commanding general as well as the French
consul in regard to it. They agree with me that there is no
ground for the complaint.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
CUTHBERT BULLITT, United States
Marshal.
Hon. James Speed,
Attorney General of the United States,
Washington.