Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: This department has received from that of the navy a report upon the seizure of the British steamer Peterhoff. From this it appears that that vessel, having once before successfully evaded the blockade of a port of the insurgent States, rendered herself justly liable to suspicion of being bound on a similar voyage. Accordingly, when about five miles from the harbor of St. Thomas, on her way to her destination, she was searched, and her papers were found to be quite irregular, as she had a certificate manifest for only seven boxes of teas, there being no certificate manifest for the rest of her large cargo, packed in kegs and boxes.
Seven passengers were found on board, yet the captain of the Peterhoff assured the boarding officer that he had no passengers. Information was also received from a person on board the Peterhoff that her cargo consisted, in part, of field-pieces and ammunition.
I have the honor to be, my lord, your very obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons.