Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr. F W. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State, Washington, May 26, 1863.

My Lord: Referring to your note of the 14th of this month, relative to the case of Mr. J. M. Vernon, a prisoner in Fort Lafayette, and the department’s reply, I now have the honor to enclose to you the copy of a communication, of the 21st instant, from the Secretary of War on the subject.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your lordship’s obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary.

Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Stanton to Mr. Seward.

War Department, Washington City, May 21, 1863.

Sir: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant, enclosing a copy of a note from Lord Lyons relative to Mr. J. M. Vernon, I have the honor to inform you that the case of Mr. Vernon was some time since referred to the judge advocate general, upon application from the Secretary of the Navy, and the decision of this department, based upon the report of that officer, was communicated to the “Secretary of the Navy on the 18th instant, a copy of which is respectfully transmitted.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

The Secretary of State.

Mr. Stanton to Mr. Welles.

War Department, Washington City, May 18, 1863.

Sir: The case of Mr. J. M. Vernon, referred to this department by your letter of the 23d ultimo, has been submitted to the judge advocate general, who reports, as the result of his examination, that, beyond reasonable doubt, Vernon is not a British subject; but there is no evidence, among the papers submitted, that he has committed grave offences, subjecting him to trial by a court-martial. He was, however, a contractor under the rebel government, and was captured on or near a steamer, of which he was one of the owners, engaged in running the blockade. The perpetrators of this offence have hitherto been treated as quasi prisoners of war, and the judge advocate general finds nothing in Vernon’s case to make it an exception to the general rule, or to forbid his being exchanged.

The report of the judge advocate general is approved, and Vernon will be held subject to exchange.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

ED. R. S. CANBY, Brig. Gen. and A. A. G.

Official.

War Department, May 21, 1863.