Mr. Seward to Mr. Speed
Sir: I have the honor to submit for your consideration two notes, received from Señor Matias Romero, the minister of the Mexican republic, dated November the 14th and 18th instant, with their accompaniments, relative to the Order No. 17, October 11, 1865, issued by Major General Irvin McDowell, commanding the military department of California, prohibiting the exportation of arms or munitions of war, by the frontier, into Mexico.
I will thank you, as soon as practicable, for your opinion as to whether the Order No. 17, above referred to, is in conformity with any laws, regulations, or orders now in force, bearing upon the subject.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. James Speed, Attorney General.