Frederick Bernal to W. J. Jones, January 4, 1866

Mr. Bernal to Mr. Jones

Sir: I beg to thank you for your communication and for the expression of your willingness to do all the law empowers you in regard to mutinies occurring on board British merchant vessels. I have examined the act of Congress of June, 1864, referred to by you, and find that it is almost a repetition of the act of March 2, 1829. There is no special consular convention between Great Britain and the United States, but the enclosed paragraph taken from Wilmer & Smith’s European Times relative to the proceedings with regard to sailors on board American vessels in the port of Liverpool will show you that the absence of a convention does not prevent American shipping interests from receiving due protection in England. The point on which I want you to be good enough to inform me in your position as a legal official of the United States is this: In the absence of an express consular convention between our two countries, and in view of the act of Congress of June, 1864, what remedy or protection exists in the event of a mutiny occurring on board a British merchant vessel while in American waters.

I have, &c,