Mr. Blaine to Mr. Lincoln.

[Extract]
No. 103.]

Sir: Referring to your dispatch, No. 98, of the 9th instant, I inclose for your information copies of the Department circular to the governors of the States and Territories on the subject of provisional arrest in Great Britain.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.
[Inclosure in No. 103.]

Circular to governors of States and Territories.

To his excellency, — —,
The Governor of —.

Sir: Applications both by telegraph and by letter are frequently made to this Department for its intervention to obtain the arrest and provisional detention of fugitives from justice in England, in advance of the presentation of the formal proofs upon which a demand for their extradition may be based. In such cases the only manner in which the Department can intervene is by informing the minister of the United States in London of the facts and instructing him to take the necessary measures. This the minister does by authorizing some one connected with the legation to make complaint on oath before a magistrate, in accordance with the requirements of the British extradition act of 1870. The form of this complaint is hereto annexed.

Attention is invited to its provisions and especially to the statement deponent is required to make that he is informed and believes that a warrant has been issued in the foreign country for the arrest of the accused. This Department, when requested to intervene in such a case, should always be enabled to inform the minister that such a warrant has been issued in order that the complaint before the British magistrate may be made in due form and without delay.

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

James G. Blaine.

(Inclosure: Form of complaint.)*

  1. Printed supra, p. 463.