William H. Seward to J. Hume Burnley, September 15, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley.

Sir: The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a note of the 10th instant, addressed to him by J. Hume Burnley, esq., her Britannic Majesty’s charge d’affaires, in which, referring to the proceedings of a court of inquiry held at Boston on the conduct of Commander Trenchard, of the United States steamer Rhode Island, in firing on the Margaret and Jessie, off the coast of Eleuthera, Mr. Burnley states that he is directed by her Majesty’s government to express to that of the United States their hope that the United States government will concur with them in opinion that vessels should not fire toward a neutral shore at a less distance than that which would insure shot not falling in neutral waters, or on neutral territory.

The undersigned has the honor to inform Mr. Burnley, in reply, that the proposition which has thus been made by her Majesty’s government will be brought to the attention of other maritime powers, in order that if any change shall be made it may be general.

The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to Mr. Burnley the assurance of his highest consideration.