Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Her Majesty’s government having had under their consideration the note which you did me the honor to address to me on the 22d December last, relative to the case of the Will-of-the-Wisp, have instructed me to state to you, that they view with regret the answer you have returned to the representations which have been made to you in this case, and that they still hope that you will reconsider the matter.
The circumstances of the case appear to her Majesty’s government to present so clear an instance of unwarrantable seizure, and the ground alleged by the judge for not awarding costs, at least, if not damages, seems to them to be so inadequate, on the face of it, that they cannot but think that the executive government of the United States might take measures for granting the redress prayed for, without subjecting the injured parties to the expense and delay of further judicial proceedings.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.