James A. Seddon to His Excellency Z. B. VANCE, March 15, 1864

His Excellency Z. B. VANCE, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C.:

Sir: The notice to which reference is made in your letter of the 8th instant* having been given by authority of the Navy Department, your communication was transmitted to the Secretary of the Navy, who, in his response, expresses some surprise that a notice given in conformity to regulations adopted by the President, under the authority and in pursuance of an act of Congress, should cause indignation on your part. He presumes the vessel referred to is the Hansa, and adds that the nature of the interest owned by the State of North Carolina in her is not explained by you. Under the late regulations I have no authority over the subject, which rests now mainly with the Secretary of the Treasury, and any remonstrance you deem requisite should appropriately be addressed to him.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,