The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-20
Secretary Bucbanan's Letter.
DEPARTMENT or SrArE
Washington, September If. Is

OF STATE,
Washington, September Ii, 1917.
SIR IL herewith transmit to you copy OF the
application made 10 this department, on the 18th of
August last, by William A. Seely, Esq, of the ci
OF New York, invoking the aid of his governme mt
to obtain the adjustment and payment of his claim
for services rendered to the government OF the
Netherlands.
have examined this application, and the docu-
any without and nc doubt
of its Justice Considering the great value, as well
chiefly through he saSorseSr ssd
agency of Mr.. Seely, and that he risked his life,
and was severely wounded, in accomplishing his
MaJesty's wishes, am astonished that his claims
have been so long disregarded. You are, there
fore, instructed to ask an interview with the Dutch
Minister for Foreign Affairs, and explain to him
the nature OF the case, and at the same time pre-
sent him note, prepared in such terms as may
seem TO you best calculated to accomplish the OBJ
ject. You will, also, earnestly request his answer
in time foT the next meeting Of Congress.
do not instruct you to make formal demand
on the Dutch government in this case. because, as
general rule, the government of the United States
does not interfere 10 enforce the contracts which
our citizens may have made with foreign govern
ments. IL strikes me, however, that the present
is an extreme case, and cannot be viewed alto
The object accomplished chiefly through the
agency Of Mr.. Seely, was the recovery OF the
jewels belonging to the Princess vi Orange, and
the extraditiOn of The robber.
The government of the Netherlands invoked our
aid IN efiecting this purpose and this government
always actuated by the most friendly feelings to-
wards his Majesty, interfered in their BEHALF in
manner we had never done before, and have never
done since Mr.. Seey, who was respectable
attorney and counsellor at-law, 10 full practice in
the city OF New York, had, Therefore, some reason
10 expect that this government would not view
with indifference, the refusal of the Dutch govern
ment TO pay him a reasonable compensation for
services performed under such circumstances.
sincerely hope that the government OF his Ma
jesy may adjust this claim without further diff
Guilty or delay. There are circumstances attend
ing II, which ought not TO be exposed TO the world
by means of an application TO Congress
That Mr.. Seely will make such an application,
and ask the interposion of that body in his behalf,
cannot be doubted. What the result may be, you
can anticipate as well as myself
received letter from Mr.. Seely last night,
transmitting me the copy Of a letter which he had
addressed to yoI, bearing date the 18th ultmo, and
detailing long conversation between him and
myself Mr.. Seely has misunderstood the p1rport
OF my remarks in several particulars, which II 10
notimportant that should take the time TO correct
/ shall send you, by the next steamer, copies OF
all the documents which accompanied Mr.. Seely's
application. In the meantime, this need not delay
your action, as | understand he has already sent
you copies of them all, with single exception,
which he will supply by the present steamer. l
shall certainly expect TO learn from you that you
had obeyed thcse instructions, and the result Of
your application, before the next meeting Of Con-
greece. j am, sir, respectfully,
your ODE dent servant,
Auguste Davezac, ESQ. JAMES BUCHANAN.