[Untitled], November 2, 1870.

[Untitled]

Sir: I transmit herewith a copy of a communication which I have just received from the Department of State, giving its views and wishes in reference to the seizure of American vessels for alleged violation of the treaties and laws passed in pursuance to them, regulating the fishing trade between the United States and the British North American provinces. I had supposed that the consuls within whose districts seizures have been made had kept the Department fully advised of each seizure and the ground upon which they were respectively made. I fear this duty has been neglected, which is much to be regretted considering the large interests involved, and the delicate and important questions that may arise. The neglect should be remedied at once and fully.

You will please report at your earliest opportunity what vessels have been seized, the date of seizure resspectively, upon what alleged grounds, and what disposition has been made of the vessel. If a libel of information has been filed in the admiralty court, obtain a copy of it and transmit it to the Department. State when the courts commenced session, or when they will hold a session at which the several cases of seizure will be tried. Consult freely with the attorneys for the claimants of the several vessels and make yourself familiar with the precise points which have arisen or will be likely to arise in each case, and with great care to accuracy, and transmit that information to the Department of State, and in cases where condemnation has already been had, procure and send to the Department the opinion of the judge condemning it; and it would be well, in case a vessel were released, to procure and send a like opinion.

You should keep the Department as freely and accurately advised of all these cases of seizure as a lawyer would his client in the progress and determination of an important suit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,