Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State, Washington,
May 21, 1863.
My Lord: Adverting to my note of the 7th
instant, relative to the case of the schooner Mont Blanc, in which it
was stated that the Secretary of the Navy would designate some person at
or near Key West to confer with such person as her Majesty’s authorities
may appoint, to ascertain and agree upon the damage to be paid in that
case, I now have the honor to enclose to you the copy of a letter of the
18th instant, addressed to this department by Mr. Welles, naming Acting
Rear-Admiral Theodorus Bailey for the purpose.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your lordship the
assurance of my high consideration.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy
Department,
May 18, 1863.
Sir: Agreeably to the conversation during
our interview of Saturday last, that the affair of the Mont Blanc be
disposed of by referring it to some person at or near Key West to
consider and dispose of the whole subject without an appeal to the
court, as the amount involved is small, I would name Acting
Rear-Admiral Theodorus Bailey for the purpose. Should this
suggestion be acceptable, necessary orders shall be given to Acting
Rear-Admiral Bailey. It can be left to Lord Lyons to associate some
one with Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, if he wishes.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
