Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Her Majesty’s government have considered with attention the correspondence which I had the honor to hold with you in the months of October, November, and December last, concerning the treatment experienced by the crews of two British schooners, the Revere and Louisa Agnes, which had been captured on a charge of breach of blockade.
Her Majesty’s government cannot but regard the putting of seamen belonging to these vessels in irons, under the circumstances in which, and for the period for which, this was avowedly done, as wholly unjustifiable.
I am, however, instructed to express to you the satisfaction with which her Majesty’s government have seen that, upon the matters being brought by me to your notice, you informed me that an instruction would be addressed by the Secretary of the Navy to the flag-officers of the blockading squadrons to use irons only when, and so long as, necessary, and in all cases to pursue the utmost kindness, consistent with the safety of captures and prizes, towards seamen captured in attempting to break the blockade. I am desired to add that her Majesty’s government trust that this instruction will be so carried into effect as to prevent the recurrence of any cases similar to those of the Louisa Agnes and the Revere.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.