Wickham Hoffman to the Earl of Derby, April 29, 1876

Mr. Hoffman to Lord Derby.

My Lord: Referring to my note of the 20th instant, I have the honor to inclose to you herewith, under the instructions of Mr. Fish, a copy of his dispatch of March 31 upon which my note was based.

I beg to assure your lordship that both Mr. Fish and I understand and appreciate the sad circumstances which have prevented your lordship from receiving me, with a view to my reading to you the dispatch of Mr. Fish.

In forwarding this dispatch, I am instructed to say that it is done in the hope of still preserving the treaty, and with the further hope that your lordship will find therein sufficient cause to prevent the discharge of Winslow, and to order his surrender under the 10th article of the treaty of 1842, and in accordance with the requisition of the United States. I am further instructed to say that, while my Government cannot recognize the act of eighteen hundred and seventy as controlling extradition under the treaty, still, as Her Majesty’s government claims to be bound thereby, Mr. Fish hopes that your lordship will see in the 12th section of that act authority for your intervention to cause the surrender of Winslow in accordance with the treaty.

I have, &c.,