Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: Referring to your note of the 16th ultimo, and to my reply of the 21st of the same month, on the subject of suppressing piracy in the Chinese waters I have the honor to state that this department is informed, by a letter of yesterday’s date from the Secretary of the Navy, that Acting Rear-Admiral Henry M. Bell, commanding the East India squadron, has been instructed to act in concert with other powers to the end proposed, consulting with the United States minister to China, and the commander of her Britannic Majesty’s forces in Chinese waters, on the subject.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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