William H. Seward to John F. Potter, March 21, 1865

Mr. Seward to Mr. Potter

Sir: Your despatch of March 15, No. 170, has been received and carefully considered. The disposition and proceedings of the United States towards Canada have been friendly and liberal. The wrongs we have suffered from her have been unprovoked. Of all the felons harbored there, who have assailed our cities and citizens, only one has yet been delivered up to us upon our demand, and not one has yet been punished.

We can go no further in the way of conciliation until we have some greater show of reciprocity. It may seem to the Canadians that they are relieved from responsibility to us by their political connexion with other portions of the British empire, distinguished for illiberality to our country, but that circumstance, so far from increasing, diminishes our security.

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I am, sir, your obedient servant,