Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.
No. 16.]
Department of
State,
Washington,
June 8, 1861.
Sir: I enclose a copy of a note of this date
addressed to Lord Lyons, which will dispel any uncertainty which the
British government may entertain in regard to our recognition of a rule
of international law which they may deem important.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Seward to
Lord Lyons.
Department of
State,
Washington,
June 8, 1861.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your note of the 5th instant, with the accompanying
papers, relative to a claim in the case of the cargo of the bark
Winifred, a part of which is represented to belong to British
subjects.
[Page 100]
In reply, I regret that at this juncture I do not feel at liberty to
interfere in the case, as it is understood that the usual
proceedings in the prize court at New York have been set on foot
against the vessel and her cargo.
If, however, that court shall be satisfied of the ownership by
British subjects of the part of the cargo claimed, it cannot be
doubted that restitution will be decreed, as this government
recognizes the right of the property of a friendly nation in the
vessels of an insurgent to be exempted from condemnation.
The papers which accompanied your note are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, your
lordship’s most obedient servant,
The Right Honorable Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.
