Mr. Hay to H. W. Peabody & Co.
Washington, January 11, 1900.
One of the owners of goods seized by British naval authorities suggests that he would settle his claim by British Government paying value of goods at port of destination if voyage had not been interrupted. Do you wish Department to attempt settlement and payment of your claim same way? As to flour shipped on the Maria, this Government advised that it is not detained and that the owners may make whatever arrangements they desire for its disposition. Flour having been landed, you might dispose of it to best advantage and prefer claim against British Government to cover all loss and damage if you were the legal owners at the time of seizure. Claim must be presented by legal owner, and this Government will take all steps to protect rights of owners if American citizens.
- Sent also on same day to W. H. Crossman & Co., 77 and 79 Broad street, New York City; Flint, Eddy & Co., 30 Broad street, New York City, and Arkell & Douglass, 95 Broad street, New York City.↩