Earl Russell to Mr. Mason.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing an original protest made by the master and crew of the steamer Margaret and Jessie, with regard to the damage sustained by that vessel from being fired into by a United States vessel-of-war.
A copy of this protest has also reached her Majesty’s government through other sources, and they learn from Lord Lyons, who has been in communication with the United States government on the subject, that he has been assured by Mr. Seward that if it shall appear on inquiry that any act of hostility or power was committed on the occasion in question within the marine jurisdiction of Great Britain, the act will be disavowed, and redress be promptly given.
Her Majesty’s government will therefore await the result of that inquiry.
I am, &c.,