1222 FOREIGN RELATIONS.

lamation. Itis hoped that no vessels of the United States may become
victims of this penalty. If the proclamation, instead of claiming a right
to capture after the lapse of a certain time, had made vessels liable
thereto which, after having been warned off the blockaded coast by an
indorsement on their papers, afterward attempted to enter a blockaded
port, it would have been more in accordance with the just rights of
neutrals. ‘The Secretary of the Navy has been requested to send a man-
of-war thither.

The right to capture within a time arbitrarily limited by a blockading
government is not recognized by us.

Tam, &c., | 7
HAMILTON FISH.
No. 813.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Russell.
No. 29.] | ss DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, November 25 , 187: 4.

Str: Your dispatch No. 31, of the. 6th instant, has been received. It
relates to the benevolent conduct of Messrs. H. U. Boulton & Co., to-
ward immigrants from this country in distress in Venezuela. The
course of those gentlemen in this instance does them honor, and you
will offer them the thanks of this Government therefor.

Iam, &ce., | | |
a | — HAMILTON FISH.