William H. Seward to Judson Kilpatrick, October 2, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Kilpatrick

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 17, of the 16th of last July, containing the claim of Messrs. Wheelwright & Company and Lorring & Company, for losses sustained by the bombardment of Valparaiso, which was referred by this department, together with your account of the bombardment contained in your despatch, No. 3, of the 2d of last April, to the Attorney General, for his opinion as to whether the government of the United States would be justified, under the law of nations, in demanding, on behalf of the claimants, from either Spain or Chili, indemnity for the losses they sustained by the bombardment.

I transmit to you, enclosed, a copy of the reply of the Attorney General containing his opinion in the premises, which you will consider as the decision of the department and act upon accordingly.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,