Charles Edwards to Consul Archibald, January 24, 1864

Mr. Edwards to Consul Archibald.

Sir: Permit me to ask whether the British government has sent on any instructions to claim restitution of the British bark Saxon, seized by the United States steamer Vanderbilt, at Angra Pequena, Africa, which place I believe belongs to an independent chief, named David Christian, and is close upon Penguin island, (within two miles,) the latter being, as I suppose, British; and if so, then the Saxon was seized in neutral British waters.

I am retained by the owner of the Saxon, but consider he individually cannot take the benefit of seizure in neutral waters, and that the government whose territory has been infringed can alone do so, and therefore it is I respectfully ask the above.

I have had to interpose the best claim I could; which claimants of cargo are pressing for an adjudication.

If the British government really intends to demand or intervene, then there is no time to be lost.

You were so obliging as to allow me a copy of an affidavit made by the second mate of the Saxon, taken before you, showing a seeming wilful shooting of her first mate by an officer of the Vanderbilt, and I am trying to make use of it. But as this deposition was not sworn to before any United States judicial officer, it really cannot be used as evidence.

I have, &c.,