William H. Seward to Sir Frederics W. A. Bruce, August 9, 1865

Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: Referring to the previous correspondence which has passed between her Majesty’s legation and this department, relative to the British schooner James Douglas, which vessel was picked up at sea by the United States steamer Monticello, and carried into the port of Beaufort, North Carolina, I now have the honor to transmit a copy of a report of the 28th ultimo upon the subject, made to the Secretary of the Navy by Lieutenant William C. West, commanding the naval station at Beaufort, from which it appears that instructions have been given to that officer by Admiral Porter to deliver the James Douglas to her owners, provided there shall be no demand for compensation for such use as may have been made of that vessel while remaining at the above-named port.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,