Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have had the honor to receive your note of yesterday, with the accompanying papers, relative to the capture of the British steamer Victor by the United States steamer Juniata. The subject had previously been brought to the notice of this department by Mr. Tassara, her Catholic Majesty’s minister here, upon the supposition that the capture was made within the maritime jurisdiction of the island of Cuba. Herewith I have the honor to communicate a copy of two notes, which this department has addressed to Mr. Tassara, in regard to the matter. A copy of your note and of its accompaniments shall be sent to the Secretary of the Navy, in order that the officer in command of the Juniata may be called upon for an explanation of the facts therein set forth, which explanation, when received, will enable me to bestow further consideration upon the subject. In the mean time, I have to request that your lordship [Page 671] will accept the assurances already given by me to Mr. Tassara, with the same consideration as if they had been specially addressed also to yourself; and to be further assured, that if it shall appear that the law of nations has been violated in this case by the commander of the Juniata, that violation will be profoundly regretted and promptly redressed by this government. Its attention will be specially directed to the complaints (contained in your note, but not found in that of Mr. Tassara) of rigors alleged to be practiced upon the captain, officers and seamen in the fort at Key West. If the complaint is well founded, the necessary measures will be taken to correct those abuses and prevent their recurrence,
I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.