James S. Pike to William H. Seward, September 18, 1861

Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward.

Sir: The minister of foreign affairs has not yet furnished me with the promised communication on the Sumter case.

On the 12th instant I addressed him the following note:

“Sir: Referring to my recent communications to you on the case of the Sumter, I beg to say, in order to avoid all possibility of cavil or misapprehension, that, in speaking of or alluding to the marauding vessels of the persons in rebellion against the United States government as ‘privateers,’ I refer to them as such only in the sense of their own pretensions; the United States government, as you are well aware, regarding them solely as piratical craft, and the persons engaged thereon as pirates.

“I have the honor to be, &c., &c.

“Baron Van Zuylen, &c., &c.”

* * * * * * * * *

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,