Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The parties interested in the British steamship Adela have represented to her Majesty’s government that the judge of the prize court at Key West has ordered that vessel to be sold within forty days.
Having regard to the special assurances given to her Majesty’s government with regard to this vessel, in the note which you did Mr. Stuart the honor to address to him on the 13th of August last, her Majesty’s government do not suppose that the government of the United States would sanction such a proceeding; but they have directed me to call your attention to the matter immediately, and to remonstrate against the vessel’s being sold, as they can perceive no ground for inflicting so grievous a wrong on the parties interested in her.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.