Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State, Washington,
January 13, 1864.
My Lord: With reference to your communication
of the 22d ultimo, relative to the case of the British bark Julia, and
to my reply, I have the honor to enclose herewith the copy of a letter
of the 11th instant, and addressed to this department by the Secretary
of the Treasury.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your lordship’s obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Chase to Mr. Seward.
Treasury
Department,
January 11, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to return herewith
the despatch of Lord Lyons, of the 22d ultimo, and accompanying
papers, relative to the voyage of the British bark Julia from
Amoy.
The charter-party is express in its provisions that the “charterers
(are) to have the option of sending the vessel to Montreal, New
York, Charleston, or New Orleans, but to one port only, and to
either of the southern ports only, if the blockade is raised and the
port open for commerce,” of which the master would be advised on
reaching St. Thomas.
Relying on the integrity of the papers submitted, I am satisfied that
the voyage to be made is perfectly legitimate, and that the
insertion of the name of Charleston in a charter-party made in
China, with the provision above cited, is no cause for seizure on
the arrival of this bark into the port of New York, and have so
advised the collector of customs of that port.
With great respect,
S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the
Treasury.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
