William H. Seward to Henry E. McCulloch, April 21, 1866

Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, to Mr. McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, inclosing the copy of a letter from the collector of customs at the port of Stonington, in relation to the apprehended fitting out of the gun-boat Sciota (late of the Navy) in violation of our neutral obligations. The subject has been brought to the attention of the Attorney-General, who has undertaken to give the proper instructions for the investigation of the case by the district attorney of the United States for Connecticut, with a view to such proceedings as may be found necessary. In the mean time I respectfully suggest the expediency of your giving directions for the detention of the vessel until further orders.

Your obedient servant,