Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that it has been authoritatively represented to me that an armed party from the Canadian gunboat Michigan have recently landed within the jurisdiction of the United States, on the river St. Clair, seized, bound, and forcibly conveyed to that vessel John Chapell, a deserter from the Royal Marines light infantry, Plymouth division.
I will thank you to make this fact known to the proper Canadian authorities, in the expectation that if, upon inquiry, it shall appear that such a violation of the sovereignty of the United States as is above described has actually occurred, the captured man may be replaced within the jurisdiction of the United States, and such amends made as may be due to the dignity of a friendly state, and from the nature of the offence.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
The Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.