William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, June 9, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Your despatch of the 16th of May, No. 160, has been received.

The arguments for the restitution of the Emily St. Pierre are so conclusive that I am happy in being authorized to assume them on behalf of this government without making any addition to them.

Of course we cannot send our naval police into British waters to recapture the Emily St. Pierre and bring her before our courts of admiralty. You have been instructed to take counsel upon the question whether our captors can maintain proceedings against the rescuers and the vessel in the British admiralty. When you shall have given us the result of these inquiries I shall again submit the whole subject to the President for his further directions.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,