DICKINSON, United States District Attorney to William H. Seward, February 17, 1866

Mr. Dickinson, district attorney, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.

Sir: I have the honor to report in the case of Benjamin V. Mackenna, indicted for a breach of the neutrality laws, &c., that on the 14th instant lie appeared in court, and, in the language of his counsel, “waived his diplomatic privilege,” and pleaded to the indictment upon the merits. In other words, he withdrew his plea of alleged diplomatic relations, which relations I was prepared to show, by documents so promptly and courteously furnished me from the State Department, had no existence.

[3] Esteban Rogers, the Chilian consul, indicted *for a similar offense, pleaded to the indictment without any suggestion of privilege, although at the time he evidently had not been advised that his exequatur had been revoked by the President. Both cases stand over for trial in March next, and the defendants have given bail for their appearance.

I have the honor to be, sir, yours, &c.,