Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: From a despatch of the 3d of September last, addressed to me by Consul General Seward, I learn that your attention was called by that gentleman, on the 30th of August, to the subject of a joint tribunal or commission for the trial of cases in which the customs authorities claim the right to confiscate vessels or goods, for breaches of the treaty; and touching also the manner of procedure in cases in which they claim the imposition of fines for breaches of the treaty, or the payment of penalties stipulated for in bonds given to them.
The matters are of very great interest, and the department suspends instructions until it shall have heard from you upon the subject.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.