Mr. Olney to Sir Julian Pauncefote.

No. 220.]

Excellency: Referring to previous correspondence concerning the seizure of the Shelby and certain other British sealing vessels, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 10th instant, stating that you have received a telegram from Rear-Admiral Stephenson asking that measures may be taken to secure the immediate attendance of the commander and officers of the U. S. S. Corwin and, in due time, of other officers who can give evidence regarding the seizure of the Beatrice and the E. B. Marvin.

In reply I beg to inform you that measures had already been taken to secure the immediate presence of the officers of the Corwin at Victoria as witnesses in the case of the Shelby, and that I have hastened to bring the contents of your note to the attention of the Secretary of the Treasury in order that suitable action may be promptly taken in regard to the other cases.

I shall be obliged for early information as to the time when the libels against the British sealing vessels Beatrice and E. B. Marvin will be brought to trial.

I have, etc.,

Richard Olney
.