Mr. Sanford to Mr. Hunter
Sir: The Moniteur of yesterday contains a note announcing that this government has been officially informed that war has been declared between Brazil and Paraguay, and that the ports of the latter have been blockaded by the Brazilian navy. Recalling the fact that Belgium had adhered to the principles laid down in the declaration of the congress of Paris, of April 16, 1856, it gives warning that all persons subject to the laws of the kingdom who shall fit out or take place in privateers, or do any act contrary to the duties of neutrality, will be liable to be prosecuted before the Belgian courts, independently of any other measure of rigor which they may incur in other countries.* * * * * *
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.