Message of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, October 28, 1861.

Sir: Her Majesty’s government have had under their consideration the note which I had the honor to address to you on the 22d ultimo, with the despatch from Mr. Consul Archibald which accompanied it.

Her Majesty’s government have learned with much surprise, from those papers, the cruel treatment to which the nine British seamen who were imprisoned in Fort Lafayette were subjected by the United States authorities. Her Majesty’s government are unable to comprehend the grounds on which persons, who were accused of no offence, were confined in irons and treated as criminals; and although it has been satisfactory to them to learn, from the answer which you did me the honor to make to my representations on the subject, that orders were given for the release of these men, yet her Majesty’s government cannot but consider that some amends are due to them for the sufferings to which they were thus causelessly exposed. Her Majesty’s government have accordingly instructed me to bring the matter again to the notice of the government of the United States, and to express their hope that due compensation may be awarded to the sufferers.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

LYONS.