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

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State, Washington, January 17, 1863.

My Lord: I have the honor to inform you that the attorney of the United States for the district of Delaware, after a deliberate investigation of the case of Captain Sherwin, late of the British bark Rowena, has determined that at present he probably cannot be successfully prosecuted for treason against the United States. The release of the captain from his confinement has accordingly been ordered, although his conduct is believed to have been unwarrantable and injurious.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your lordship the assurance of my high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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