Hume Burnley, to William Hunter, April 18, 1865

Mr. Burnley to Mr. Hunter

Sir: I have the honor to lay before you copies of correspondence which have been communicated to me by his excellency the governor of the Bahamas, respecting the movements of United States ships-of-war, in contravention of her Majesty’s proclamation in the roadstead off Matthew town, Inagua, one of the out islands of the Bahama group.

Governor Rawson informs me that he has requested the United States consul to represent the irregularities committed by the officers of these ships to the United States admiral at Key West, enclosing at the same time the answer of this official, of which I enclose the copy.

As the United States government appears to have given instructions to their officers cruising in those seas to pay respect to her Majesty’s desire that belligerent vessels-of-war should refrain from visiting the islands of that colony, I feel convinced that they will see the necessity of taking proper measures to see that their orders are executed.

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