Office of the Historian

Mr. Geldart to Mr. Hay.

New York, December 15, 1899.

Sir: Inclosed please find copy of letter received this a.m., which is self-explanatory.

This shipment consisted of beer and lard, and is a portion of a monthly order consigned to a Portugese firm in Lourenço Marquez, Delagoa Bay, which has been more or less regularly forwarded since March of this year.

Will you kindly inform me whether the British Government is justified in its action, and what redress, if any, I shall have in the event—as it is possible—of my client’s refusing to pay for goods non-delivered.

I may say that my policy of insurance does not cover war risks, and the company holding the insurance declare themselves not responsible for any accident that may arise to the merchandise whilst lying in lighters or hulks at the port of discharge indicated by the British authorities.

A prompt reply will oblige,

Respectfully,

R. W. Geldart.

P. S.—What I am most desirous of ascertaining is whether the British Government can be permitted to seize the goods of noncombatants.

[Inclosure.]

Messrs. Norton & Son to Mr. Geldart.

New York, December 14, 1899.

[Copy of letter received this a.m. from Norton & Son, Produce Exchange, New York.]

s. s. beatrice.

Dear Sir: We beg to advise you that we are just informed that this steamer has discharged all of her Delagoa Bay cargo into lighters at East London, under orders of the British Government, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the American and African bill of lading, clause 1, the steamship line is relieved of any further responsibility, and goods are at risk and expense of consignees after leaving ship’s side.

Yours, very truly,

Norton & Son.