William H. Seward to Gardner Austin, June 11, 1874

Mr. Seward to Mr. Austin.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive a letter from yon dated the 4th instant, in which you state that you are instructed by Governor Kennedy to make requisition for the delivery up to justice of Walter Jackson, who is charged with the crimes of piracy and of assault with intent to commit murder within the jurisdiction of Great Britain, namely, on the high seas, on board a British vessel, and that a warrant for the apprehension of Jackson to answer the charge of piracy has been issued from the magistracy of the colony upon sworn information before the magistrate.

I hold under arrest the person referred to, and will detain him until the government of Hong-Kong has had reasonable opportunity to submit to me the evidence upon which this requisition is made.

I desire to point out that I am under no obligation to deliver Jackson excepting in accordance with the provisions for the extradition of criminals as settled by treaty between our governments.

At the same time, if, as I may judge from the informality of the demand made upon me, it is the opinion of the colonial authorities that a simpler and more rapid procedure than that indicated in the treaty referred to is reciprocally desirable, I shall be very glad to learn the views of the governor upon this subject, or to learn that he has communicated these views in any way to the superior authorities of my Government.

I have, &c.,