Hume Burnley to William H. Seward, January 23, 1865

Mr Burnley to Mr. Seward

Sir: Of the vast amounts of cotton captured by General Sherman at Savannah, I am told that some ten thousand bales are the bona fide property of British subjects residing there and in England.

Mr. Sergeant, a medical gentleman resident at Savannah, called upon me yesterday and consulted with me upon the subject, placing in my hands various papers, which he had been deputed to hand over to me, of one of which I enclose a copy, as representing the actual state of the case. Mr. Sergeant informed me that the federal authorities contemplated sending the whole of this cotton to New York for sale, the proceeds to be remitted to the United States treasury, and the owners to establish their claims before the courts.

As it appears to have been purchased during the year 1860 and 1861, and was intended for shipment for England upon the reopening of commerce, now happily not far distant, I would hope that pending an investigation of the claims it may be allowed to remain stored in Savannah, as the federal government have now a firm hold on the place, and there can be no question of its recapture, considering the important federal successes recently achieved

To the end, however, of establishing the rightful claims of the owners, I would propose to despatch an agent there, with the sanction of yourself, who would be deputed to place himself in communication with any authorized agent of the United States government, in order that it may be clearly and satisfactorily proved that such cotton belongs to bona fide neutral British merchants.

It is of the very utmost importance that this vast amount of cotton, if shown to be British property, and acquired in a legitimate way, should not be lost to its original owners, under any circumstanees; and in the interests of the British subjects concerned, I feel bound to protest beforehand against any acts which in the hurry of military preparations may tend to obliterate or invalidate any just claims upon the captured property.

Awaiting an answer at your earliest convenience, I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,