Lord Lyons to Mr Seward.
Sir: On the 23d ultimo I had the honor to bring to your notice the case of Mr. John Hardcastle, a British subject, confined in the Old Capitol prison; and on the 8th instant you were good enough to forward to me a copy of a report on the case furnished by the judge advocate, in which it is stated that Mr. Hardcastle had been arrested on entering the federal lines by a flag-of-truce boat, by permission of the so-called confederate authorities, charged with attempting to pass through the lines without a permit from the federal authorities, and that the case was under investigation. On receiving a letter from Mr. Hardcastle stating that he had been promised by the judge advocate, on the 2d instant, that his case should be attended to at once, and that he should be set at liberty forthwith, but that he was still in prison, I again brought the case to your notice, verbally, on the 21st instant, and was informed by you on the 23d that the attention of the judge advocate had been invited to it.
I have been much shocked to hear that this unfortunate man has since met with his death in the Carroll prison, and I must request that you will be good enough to inform me, with as little delay as possible, whether this report is true; and if so, what were the circumstances that led to so deplorable a result.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.