Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce to William H. Seward, August 19, 1865

Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I forwarded to her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs a copy of the note addressed to me by the Acting Secretary of State on the 16th of June, cancelling the notice previously given respecting naval armaments on the lakes.

Her Majesty’s government has instructed me, while expressing the satisfaction with which that note is received, to state that they understand thereby that the notice abrogating the agreement contained in the convention of 1817, limiting naval armaments on the lakes, is absolutely withdrawn, and that the convention of 1817 will continue in force unless it shall be hereafter terminated by a fresh six months’ notice, to be given by either of the parties thereto.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,