Hastings Doyle to the Duke of Newcastle, December 24, 1863

Major-General Doyle to the Duke of Newcastle.

My Lord Duke: My despatch to your grace of the 23d instant, and of same date to Lord Lyons, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, explains fully the action of this government in relation to the Chesapeake.

2. After the steamer left with my despatch to Lord Lyons, I received from his lordship a telegram dated December 22, stating that an official requisition had been made by the Secretary of State at Washington for the extradition, under the treaty, of John C. Braine and others therein named, charged with the crime of piracy and murder on board the United States steamer Chesapeake.

At the same time I received a second despatch, dated December 22, informing me that the United States government had intercepted a letter, which had excited apprehensions that the Chesapeake would be seized in this port by confederates, and inquiring when this government would give her up to the owners, on the requisition of the United States government.

To this I replied by telegram, that my government had decided to put the Chesapeake into the court of vice-admiralty, and that she could only be given up upon the order of that court, but that proper precautions had been taken for her safety.

3. A communication having been received by the provincial secretary from the United States vice-consul, also exhibiting anxiety respecting the Chesa peake, I directed a reply to be sent to Mr. Gunnison, informing him that no danger need be apprehended.

4. The legal questions connected with the Chesapeake will thus be judicially disposed of by a competent tribunal; and I have instructed the crown officers to take the necessary steps to bring to justice the parties charged with obstructing the execution of the warrant against Wade.

I have, &c.,