Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, January 13, 1864.

Sir: Her Majesty’s government have been informed that the British brigs Volante, of Jersey, and Dashing Wave, of Liverpool, have been captured by United States cruisers at Matamoras; and her Majesty’s government have directed me to inquire of you on what grounds these vessels, which are stated to have been engaged in a legitimate trade between the United Kingdom and the Mexican port of Matamoras have been thus captured.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

LYONS.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.