Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: It is reported to me by her Majesty’s consul at Boston that the British steamship Aries, which has been carried to that port as a prize, is now being valued with a view to her being taken possession of by the United States naval authorities before the validity of her capture has been affirmed by the sentence of a prize court.
I shall be much obliged if you will take this matter into consideration, and if you will furnish me with any information or explanation which it may appear proper that I should receive concerning it.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.