William H. Seward to Reverdy Johnson, September 14, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Johnson

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 29th of August, No. 4, with its accompaniment, namely, three copies of a correspondence, which was recently submitted to Parliament, between the United States and Great Britain concerning the treaty on the subject of naturalization, and likewise concerning the imprisonment of Messrs. Warren and Costello.

The explanations given by Lord Stanley may have satisfied Parliament concerning the judicial severity maintained by the British government in the case of Warren and Costello; they are, however, by no means satisfactory to the people of the United States.

It is not easy to see what advantages the government and people of Great Britain derive from that indulgence that is not counterbalanced by continued irritation on the part of a friendly nation.

I am, sir your obedient servant,