Lord Lyons to Mr.
Seward.
Washington,
March 27, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you a copy
of a despatch which was addressed to me by Vice-Admiral Sir Alex. Milne,
on receiving from me a copy of the note which you did me the honor to
write to me on the 7th ultimo, concerning the intercourse between the
officers of her Majesty’s navy and those of the navy of the United
States.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.
[Untitled]
Galatea, at
Bermuda,
March 16, 1863.
My Lord: I have received, with very great
satisfaction, your lordship’s despatch of the 5th instant, and its
enclosures, from whence I learn that the United States government
have instructed Rear-Admiral Wilkes to render, on all occasions of
intercourse with the British navy, the courtesies due to the naval
officers of a friendly nation. As your lordship is aware, all
officers under my command have, from the very first, been enjoined
to act in that manner towards United States naval officers; and I
have reason to believe that this rule of conduct has been, and will
be, rigidly observed, as I am satisfied they are, one and all,
animated by a sincere desire to cultivate amicable and courteous
relations with the United States navy. However, I feel bound to add,
that the officers in command under my orders have almost invariably
reported to me that they have met with every attention and courtesy
from the United States officers with whom they have fallen in, in
spite of the efforts made by a portion of the press to create an ill
feeling between them.
I have, &c.,
ALEX. MILNE, Vice-Admiral and
Commander-in-Chief.
