Lord Lyons to Mr.
Seward.
Washington,
November 18, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you an
extract from a despatch from the British acting consul at New Orleans,
stating that a British vessel, the H. G. Berry, which had cleared from
that place for Matamoras, was detained at Fort Jackson by the United
States forces.
The detention appears to have been caused by a general order from the
military authority prohibiting the departure of vessels for Matamoras. I
shall be very much obliged by any information which you may be so good
as to give me on the subject.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Untitled]
Extract of a
despatch from Cons pel to Lord Lyons, dated New
Orleans, October 30,
1863.
* * * * * * * *
On the 19th instant the British brig H. G. Berry cleared in ballast
at this port for Matamoras; on the 21st I received a telegram from
the master, stating that the Berry was detained at Fort Jackson by
the United States forces there and not allowed to proceed on her
voyage. Failing in my endeavors to see General. Banks on that day, I
addressed him a note, enclosing the telegram I had received from the
master, asking him to give orders to release the vessel if, after
examination, there was found no cause for her detention. In reply I
was informed that the matter will at once be inquired into and acted
upon. Not receiving any further information, on the 24th I called at
the headquarters of General Banks, and, in the general’s absence,
the assistant adjutant general told me that the vessel was detained
as a “military necessity,” and that the reasons for it would be
communicated to me in a few days.
As General Banks has left the city without furnishing me with the
promised information, to-day I saw General Stone, chief of staff,
and asked him if he could give me the reasons for the stoppage of
the trade, at the same time informing him that there are British
vessels (the Lizzie and the Planet) loaded and ready to proceed to
Matamoras. He could give me no information on the subject beyond
that General Banks had given orders that no vessels were to leave
this port for Matamoras at the present time, or until further orders
from him.
* * * * * *
