Mr. Peck to Mr. Seward.
Sir: My last despatch to the department was of date January 17, 1866. I have received nothing from the department since early in November.
A Mrs. Myers, herself an American, the widow of a citizen of the United States, who lives near Cape Haytien in this republic, lost, by the occupancy of her premises by troops of the government during the late civil war, nearly all her movable property, amounting in value to some two or three thousand dollars.
Through our consul at Cape Haytien, who speaks of her as being a worthy woman, she has asked me to make claim upon this government for the amount of her losses. I was about doing so, when an arrival brought news of the adoption by our House of Representatives of a resolution forbidding the Committee on Claims to entertain the petitions asking for compensation for losses caused during the war by our troops coming from persons residing in the States lately in revolt.
This intelligence led me to doubt whether I can consistently ask from this government the payment of claims similar to those which it would appear our own government will refuse to recognize.
I would therefore respectfully ask the department to instruct me as to the course I shall take in the case of Mrs. Myers, and in similar cases, many of which are likely to arise.
There are positive rumors of a new uprising in the north or upon the northeastern frontier. But I am satisfied that the reports have no other ground than the fact that there are in the country many disaffected people who would be glad to have a revolution occur, and hope to excite one by circulating these and similar stories. The government does not credit the rumors, but is taking notice [Page 510] of them so far as to make such preparations as would doubtless promptly put down a revolt should one occur.
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I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. G.
P. S.—Since the above was written the government has learned from official sources that there is no disturbance in the north.