Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce to William H. Seward, January 7, 1867

Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward

Sir: Her Majesty’s government having had under their consideration your despatch to Mr. Adams, dated August 27th, 1866, on the claims of citizens of the United States against Great Britain on account of losses inflicted on American commerce by cruisers of the so-called Confederate States during the civil war, have addressed to me a despatch setting forth their views on the various subjects to which it alludes, and containing certain proposals on their part by which they consider that a settlement of these claims may be effected.

In bringing their proposal under your notice, I cannot do better than follow the method adopted by Mr. Adams, and I have therefore the honor to enclose copy of the despatch, with a request that you will inform me at your convenience whether the government of the United States are prepared to accept the principle of arbitration, as contained in that despatch.

I am instructed at the same time to state that, independently of these claims, there may be other demands on the part of American citizens arising out of the events of the late civil war, while there are certainly numerous British claims arising out of those events which it is very desirable should be inquired into and adjusted.

The two governments were in communication with each other on this subject in the latter part of the year 1862, and the draft of a convention for a settlement of these claims was actually under consideration. Circumstances, however, prevented the matter being proceeded with at that time; and, indeed, it was premature to enter upon it while fresh claims were liable to start up.

The time seems now favorable for reviving the subject, and her Majesty’s government think that they may fairly invite the government of the United States to undertake, in the event of an understanding being come to between the two governments as to the manner in which the special American claims alluded to in the enclosed despatch shall be dealt with, that, under a convention to be separately but simultaneously concluded, the general claims of the subjects and citizens of the two countries arising out of the events of the late war may be submitted to a mixed commission, as in a former instance; the commission to be charged with the examination of such claims with a view to their eventual payment by the government adjudged to be responsible.

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