Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Williams

No. 23.]

Department of State, Washington, February 21, 1866.

Sir: I transmit a copy of a note^† of the 16th instant, from the Hon. Sir F. W. A. Bruce, the British minister accredited to this government, proposing co-operative measures for the suppression of piracy in Chinese waters.

You are expected to lend your ready co-operation in all temperate and proper representations on the part of the representatives of her Majesty’s government, and those of other western powers in China, to induce the Chinese authorities to fulfil their obligations in that respect.

The honorable the Secretary of the Navy will instruct the naval officer in command of the United States squadron to confer with yourself, and with the officer in command of her Britannic Majesty’s naval forces in that quarter, with the view to the adoption of such measures as may in your judgment, and that of our chief naval officer, be consistent with our relations to all of the parties concerned.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary.

S. Wells Williams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

1. For enclosure see correspondence with the British legation.