Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have duly reported to her Majesty’s government the disturbances that lately took place on the frontiers of New Brunswick and Canada, and the measures taken by the government of the United States to prevent these expeditions of armed men, in breach of the neutrality laws, from being carried into effect.
I am directed by her Majesty’s government, in reply, to state that for some months past they have observed with regret, though without alarm, the organization of the Fenians in the United States, but they have invariably abstained from making any official representation to the cabinet at Washington, because they felt that they had no right, as indeed they had no desire, to interfere with the administration of the law in the United States. They had, moreover, a perfect conviction that if ever the time came for the fulfilment by the United States of the obligations which international law imposes upon friendly and allied governments, that government would take all the measures which those obligations and regard for its own honor might call upon it to perform.
Her Majesty’s government rejoice to find that this confidence has been fully justified by the result, and that the government of the United States acted, when the moment for acting came, with a vigor, a promptness, and a sincerity which call forth the warmest acknowledgments.
I am, in consequence, instructed to express to the government of the United States the thanks of her Majesty and of her Majesty’s government for the friendly and energetic assistance which they have afforded in defeating the attempts to disturb the peace of her Majesty’s possessions in North America.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.