Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Washington, October 24, 1861.
My Lord: Your letter of the 11th of October last, presenting the claim of Mr. William Gray, owner of the British ship “Perthshire,” for damages incurred by the detention of that vessel by the blockading squadron of the United States, was referred by me to the Secretary of the Navy for information upon the subject.
I have now received the answer of the Secretary of the Navy thereupon, which fails to show me that the detention of the Perthshire by Commander Smith, commanding the United States steamer Massachusetts, was warranted by law or by the President’s proclamation instituting the blockade, although I am satisfied that that officer acted under a misapprehension of his duties, and not from any improper motive. It will belong to Congress to appropriate the sum of two hundred pounds, claimed by Gray, which sum seems to me not an unreasonable one. The President will ask Congress for that appropriation as soon as they shall meet, and he will direct that such instructions shall be given to Commander Smith as will caution him against a repetition of the errors of which you have complained.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your lordship the assurance of my high consideration.
The Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.