Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this day’s date, relative to the capture of the schooner Elias Reed.
With regard to the question whether or no the capture took place within the territorial jurisdiction of Great Britain, I think it right to submit to you the enclosed petition, addressed to me by William Blakeney, master of the Elias Reed, as well as the authenticated copies of Blakeney’s protest, and of the pro ceedings in the prize-court at Key West, which are appended to it.
It appears that the Secretary of the Navy was not acquainted with the details of the proceedings of the court when he wrote to you the letter dated the 14th instant, of which you have done me the honor to send me a copy.
I shall be very much obliged if you will be so good as to return to me the documents enclosed in the present note.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.