Hume Burnley to William H. Seward, January 7, 1865

Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward

Sir: With reference to your note of the 19th ultimo, which you did me the honor to address to me, respecting the extradition of the St. Albans raiders, with a view to its being communicated to his excellency the lieutenant governor of New Brunswick, I would beg leave to lay before you copy of a despatch which I have received in reply from his excellency as to the necessity of some more convincing evidence being brought forward than what your simple note of requisition contained, before the parties can be fairly brought to trial, should they be within the lieutenant governor’s jurisdiction, which appears not to be the case at present.

In view of the re-arrest of most if not all of the raiders, I would leave it to you to decide whether it is necessary to act upon the suggestions of his excellency.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,