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yesterday after I had written my note to you, and I have now merely to repeat what I there stated, viz. that the Commander declines surrendering the prisoner allowing him to leave his vessel for any purpose whatsoever.
I am well aware of the existence of the ordinance referred to in your note, but venture to suggest, that it is meant to apply to Merchant Vessels only; ships of war or National Vessels of whatever description being commonly considered beyond the jurisdiction of any friendly government, that the Commander of the Elbe now refuses to accede to your request, but simply because he considers it his bounden duty to adhere to the line of conduct adopted by him in this instance.
I am, you
(Sigma) Gp Overbeck,
(True copy)
N. C.
Thithrada Castel for the Colonial Secretary
~ Court except the respective tribunals of their own Country
It is however not for the idle purpose of resisting the lawful demand