Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward
Sir: I duly transmitted to her Majesty’s government copy of the note which you did me the honor to transmit to me on the 26th of March, alluding to the recent receipt by the government of the United States of authentic information with regard to the steamer Blanche or General Rusk, confirmatory of their original moral convictions as to the ownership of that vessel and her cargo.
Her Majesty’s government, while admitting that the cessation of the war may possibly have removed some hindrances which previously existed to the discovery of evidence bearing upon the true facts of the case, think it reasonable that her Majesty’s minister in the United States should be afforded an opportunity of seeing the documents in which that information is contained, in order that he may report thereupon his opinion on the case.
I am consequently instructed to request that you will be good enough to allow me to peruse the documents referred to in your communications.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.