Mcdonald to Davis Godley, December 23, 1864

Mr. McDonald to Mr. Godley

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a despatch from J. H. Burnley, esq., containing copy of a note and its enclosures, from the Secretary of State of the United States, relative to the alleged manufacture of what is known as “Greek fire” for use and attempts to burn cities in the United States.

I have, in reply, to inform you that I have caused the county Crown attorney, at Windsor, and G. McMicken, esq., the newly-appointed stipendiary magistrate on the frontier, to be informed, by private letter, of the statements made in the letter of Lieutenant Colonel Hill, commanding the district of Michigan, with instructions to them to endeavor to obtain evidence of the alleged manufacture of Greek fire, and for that purpose, if necessary, to communicate confidentially with Colonel Hill.

I have, &c.,