Letter

William H. Seward to Andrew Jackson, February 24, 1864

Author

William H. Seward

Recipient

Andrew Jackson

Date

February 24, 1864

Type

Letter

[Enclosure 1 in No. 30.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Jackson.

Washington, February 24, 1864.

Sir: Your despatch of February 17 has been received. I learn from it that the court of vice-admiralty has decreed that the Chesapeake and her cargo shall be delivered to her owner, on the condition of their payment of costs.

Under the President’s directions I shall make this proceeding the subject of a communication to her Majesty’s government. In the mean time I think it not improper to inform you that this government, while it adheres to the opinion that the delivery of the Chesapeake ought to have been made promptly and un conditionally by executive authority, is nevertheless gratified with the just and friendly proceedings of his excellency the governor of Nova Scotia in the premises, and appreciates the enlightened and impartial spirit by which the vice-admiralty court has been guided in a case attended with some embarrassment and much local excitement.

The Secretary of the Navy will be informed of your views in regard to the necessity for a convoy of the Chesapeake.

I am, &c.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Topics

19th Century Civil War Diplomacy

Sources

FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth View original source ↗

U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth.