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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Welles.

Department of State,
Washington, October 19, 1861.

Sir: I transmit herewith a copy of a note from the British minister of the 11th instant, and of its accompaniment, respecting an alleged interference with the British ship “Perthshire” by vessels of the United States blockading squadron.

I will thank you to furnish me with such information upon the subject as will enable me to reply to the note of Lord Lyons.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy.