Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

[Extract.]

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State, Washington, November 13, 1861.

My Lord: I have instituted an inquiry into the case of John J. Shaver, or Shaffer, as the same person is sometimes called, and I learn, upon satisfactory and even conclusive evidence, that he has been engaged in conveying revolvers and other articles contraband of war to the insurgents, and at the same time acting as a spy in their behalf. At present, therefore, he cannot be released.

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I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.