Letter

Bruce to William H. Seward, December 8, 1866

Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward

My Dear Sir: I heard last night from the Canadian government that the prisoners have been respited to the 13th of March, by which time all the trials will be over, and the subject of the commutation of the sentences can be maturely considered.

The sentence of death will certainly not be executed, and I need not add how desirable it is that nothing should take place on the Canadian frontier to interfere with the disposition to lenity which I know is entertained by her Majesty’s government, and which will be strengthened by the presence of Lord Monck in England, whither he proceeds by next mail.

I remain, my dear sir, yours, very faithfully,

FREDERICK W. A. BRUCE.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

Sources
FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortie View original source ↗
U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortie.