[Untitled], July 20, 1866.

[Untitled]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter, dated July 18, regarding the capture of John Chapell, royal marine light infantry, from American territory, by some men of her Majesty’s gunboat Michigan.

I have the honor to forward particulars as regards said capture.

On June 27th, whilst proceeding through the river St. Clair, the man John Chapell, royal marine light infantry, did jump overboard, a little below an American town called Newport, and swam to the shore.

I sent a boat immediately after him, under the impression that he had fallen overboard by accident, but afterwards found, by his confession and other evidence, that he was under the influence of liquor, and did not know what he was doing at the time.

A boat with one man came out from the American shore, picked him up, and, after pulling towards the ship for a short time, suddenly turned and made for the shore. The boat from this ship followed, and the men landed and chased the deserter. I was not able to recall them, as I only had one boat, and too far distant to hail them. Chapell got about one hundred yards ashore; they arrested him and brought him back.

No objection was made at the time to the result, nor have the men from this ship arms of any description.

The man in question deserted again on July 9, of which I duly acquainted the mayor of this town, Mr. S. M. McDonnell, and he informed the district attorney of Detroit, who said all proceedings; on the subject would be stopped.

John Chapell is, I am told, in Detroit at this moment.

I have, &c., &c.,