Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1886

No. 273.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Woodbury.

Department of State,
Washington, October 15, 1886.

Sir: I have your letter of the 12th instant, accompanied by sundry affidavits, stating the deposit of $200 by the master of the American fishing schooner Pearl Nelson, under the compulsion of the customs officers at the port of Arichat, Cape Breton, the ground alleged for this action by the officials at Arichat being the unlawful landing of the crew of the Pearl Nelson before reporting at the custom-house.

The case will be presented to the British minister at this capital, and notification given to him that compensation will be demanded for violation of the treaty privileges, should the British Government be found liable for breach of international duty on examination of the law and facts.

Your obedient servant,

T. F. BAYARD.