Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have your lordship’s note of November 12th, concerning the case of John J. Shafer. Under the belief that Mr. Shafer was a citizen of the United States, I at one time directed that he should be released on taking an oath of allegiance to the United States, for the reason that the police authorities who had induced his arrest had not then shown any sufficient cause for it. Mr. Shafer declined to take the oath. But before that fact became known to me, information had been received of the grounds of his arrest; upon considering which, I decided that his release, at present, would not be compatible with the public safety.

Insomuch as Mr. Archibald thinks that the delay of Mr. Shafer’s letter to him in this department requires explanation, I regret that I am unable to give any other than the simple one, that the delay resulted, so far as I know, from a pressure of business in this department. I regret that the delay was unavoidable.

Having made Mr. Shafer’s case the subject in part of a communication to your lordship yesterday, I am not aware that I have anything to say upon it now beyond this reply to your note which is before me.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your lordship’s obedient

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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