Mr. Seward to Mr. Wilson
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 4th ultimo, No. 33, with enclosures, relating to the claims of the representatives of the American citizens killed upon the steamer Asuncion in October, 1865. This government continues to be of the opinion that the families of those citizens who lost their [Page 813] lives in the performance of a service for Venezuela, undertaken reluctantly, if not under military coercion, are fairly entitled to a liberal indemnification from that republic. You will, therefore, continue to employ your good offices in their behalf. We would much prefer that their meritorious claims should be recognized and satisfied by the voluntary action of the government of Venezuela than that they should be referred to an international commission. Inasmuch, however, as the minister for foreign affairs admits them to fall within the provisions of the convention for the adjustment of claims, now awaiting the ratification of Venezuela, and which he is understood to expect at some proximate time, there seems to be no occasion for further controversial discussion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
James Wilson, Esq., &c., &c., &c.