Mr. F. W. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: With reference to your communication of the 13th instant, inquiring, at the instance of your government, for information in regard to the interpretation of an extradition treaty with France, with the judges and commissioners in our country, and whether the United States government consider themselves bound under their present treaty with France to deliver up persons convicted in that country, either after trial, or by the procedure known as conviction par contumace, and who may have escaped from the consequences of conviction, I have the honor to enclose for your information upon these subjects a copy of a letter the district attorney for the southern district of New York, of the 20th instant, together with three printed copies of the act of Congress of June 22,1860, therein referred to.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient Servant,

F. W. SEWARD. Acting Secretary.

Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce., &c., &c., &c.