S. C. Hawley to J. H. Burnley, March 14, 1865

Mr. Hawley to Mr. Burnley

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of despatches from you dated the 17th of January, 1865, and the 16th of February, 1865, both with enclosures from the State Department at Washington, and both warning me of suspected intentions on the part of the Confederate States to use British ports for belligerent purposes.

In reply, I can only state that every vigilance will be used to prevent or punish a breach of the law should it be attempted or take place. Without convincing evidence it is of course impossible to set the law in action, and the government of the United States must be aware that the information furnished me, through you, even if it could be substantiated here, is not of such a character as would justify legal interference.

I have, &c