Ambassador Reid to the Secretary of State.

No. 258.]

Sir: With reference to your instruction No. 250, of the 7th of August in regard to the seizure of a seine and some dories belonging to the American fishing schooner Edna Wallace Hopper, I have the honor to confirm my cable of the 29th ultimo, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.

I also inclose herewith a copy of a note from the foreign office, dated the 28th ultimo, on which my cable of the 29th, mentioned above, was based, stating that the governor of Newfoundland has reported that the confiscated property was sold some months ago, and His Majesty’s Government regret, therefore, that the gear can not now be restored to the owner of the American vessel. The proceeds of the sale, however, will be handed over to the master of the vessel, and he will not be subject to further proceedings.

I have, etc.,

Whitelaw Reid.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Campbell to Ambassador Reid.

No. 31492.]

Your Excellency: With reference to the memorandum which you were so good as to communicate to me on the 29th ultimo respecting the seizure of certain seines and dories belonging to the United States fishing vessel Edna Wallace Hopper by the Newfoundland authorities, I have the honor to inform your excellency that the governor of Newfoundland has reported that the confiscated property was sold some months ago.

His Majesty’s Government regret, therefore, that the gear can not now be restored to the owners of the American vessel. I have to state, however, that the proceeds of the sale will be handed over to the master of the vessel and that he will not be subject to further proceedings.

I trust that this arrangement will be considered satisfactory by the United States Government.

I have, etc.,

F. A. Campbell

(In the absence of the Secretary of State).