Winthrop to F. W. Seward, December 17, 1863

Mr. Winthrop to Mr. F. W. Seward.

1. Sir: I would beg to inform you of my having recently received reliable information that many English naval officers on half pay and under assumed names are now engaged in running the blockade.

2. May I beg to suggest that hereafter when any prizes are taken that every officer and passenger should be made to identify himself, even if he had to send to England to do it. When discovered to be English officers, if their names were reported to the British government, they would lose their commissions and prevent others from running a similar risk in future.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,