Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In a note dated the 4th of last month I had the honor to transmit to you an affidavit of Mr. J. M. Vernon, affirming, on oath, that he was a British subject; and I stated to you that he demanded that an immediate investigation of his case might be made, and that he might be confronted with his accusers, or, if this were not granted, that he might at once be set at liberty. I added that he begged that he might, at all events, be removed without delay from Fort Lafayette, as his lungs were suffering from the atmosphere of that place.
In a note dated the 7th of last month you were so good as to inform me that the attention of the Secretary of the Navy had been invited to the matter.
I received yesterday a letter written by Mr. Vernon, at Fort Lafayette, on the 1st instant, from which it would appear, that, so far as he is aware, no steps have yet been taken in his case. He says that all his fellow passengers on board the Huntress, and all the crew of that vessel, have been released, except himself, and Mr. Black, and the first engineer, who is an American. He affirms that he has done everything in his power to have his case investigated, and he calls attention to the fact that he has been held a prisoner for three months and a half.
I cannot but express my hope that Mr. Vernon’s case will be immediately disposed of; that if there be no proofs, either that his declaration that he is a British subject is untrue, or that, being a British subject, he has committed some offence justifying his imprisonment in the United States, he will, without further delay, be set at liberty.
[Page 604]You are aware that Mr. Black has been released since the date of Mr. Vernon’s letter.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. W. H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.