The only actual "notice" taken by Bruce at Washington of the "piracy proclamation" was in fact, to report it to Russell, commenting that it was "unintelligible" and probably a mere attempt to frighten foreign ship-owners[1315].

Russell instructed Bruce not to ask for an explanation since Galveston had been captured subsequent to the date of the proclamation and there was presumably no port left where it could be applied[1316].
In truth the actual events of the closing days of the war had outrun diplomatic action by America.

Scattered Southern forces still in the field surrendered with an unexpected rapidity, while at Washington all was temporarily in confusion upon the death of Lincoln and the illness of Seward.

Bruce's advice had been wise and the prompt action of Russell fortunate.

Seward at once accepted Russell's notification of June 2 as ending British neutrality.