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

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, January 9,1863.

Sir: I think it right to call your attention to the enclosed copy of a despatch from the British vice-consul at Key West to her Majesty’s consul at New York. He states that the British schooner Mont Blanc, of Nassau, which has been brought into Key West as a prize by the United States steamer Octorora, was captured at Sand key, Bahama bank, within a mile of the shore.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

LYONS.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

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British Consulate, Key West, December 30, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to report to you the arrival at this port, yesterday, of the British schooner Mont Blanc, of Nassau, N. P., A. Curry, master, under charge of the United States steamer Octorora.

This vessel sailed from Green Turtle key for Port Royal, South Carolina, on the 6th of this month, and was captured on the 21st instant, when at anchor at Sand key, Bahama bank, within a mile of the shore.

The captain reports having experienced such severe weather from the time of the commencement of his voyage, that he was unable to proceed on his voyage, and was, at the time he was taken, about to return to Green Turtle key.

The Mont Blanc is of nine tons burden, and was loaded with salt, and is, together with cargo, valued at only about eight hundred dollars. The captain is, therefore, doubtful whether he will go to the expense of defending her or not.

I have, &c.,

AUBREY G. BUTTERFIELD.

E. M. Archibald, Esq., H.B. M. Consul.