Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State,
Washington,
January 8, 1862.
My Lord: Adverting to my note to you of the 3d
instant, relative to the improper position in which the British flag was
placed on board the schooner James Campbell, captured on a charge of
breach of blockade, I now have the honor to enclose to you, for your
information, the copy of a further communication just received from the
Secretary of the Navy on that subject.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your lordship’s obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy
Department,
January 7, 1862.
Sir: Referring to my letter of the 2d
instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith an extract from a
communication received from Acting Master John Baker, in explanation
of his conduct in taking the prize schooner James Campbell into New
York with the British flag flying under the American.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.
[Extract.]
New York,
January 3, 1862.
Sir: I received your order to-day stating
for me to make a written statement and explain the reason for
hoisting the English flag under the American. Commodore, not being
acquainted with the customs of fetching in prizes, I was under the
impression that I was right. My intention was to do right, but it
was not done for any bad purpose or intention to insult the English
flag in any way whatever. I was wrong for so doing, and truly hope
the department will forgive me. * * * * *
JOHN BAKER, Acting Master United States
Navy.
