Office of the Historian

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State, Washington, January 26, 1864.

My Lord: Referring to my note of the 18th instant, relative to the case of James McHugh, I have the honor to call your lordship’s attention to the fourth paragraph of the synopsis of letters found in the trunk of Mr. James A. Gray, which mentions the contents of a letter addressed by James McHugh, of Belfast, to Mr. Gray; a copy of which synopsis accompanied my note of the 9th ultimo to your lordship in regard to the arrest and detention of Mr. Gray.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.

[Extract from synopsis, fourth paragraph. ]

James McHugh, of Belfast, writes to Mr. Gray, asking him to use his influence with Governor Brown to have a friend made paymaster on one of the confederate men-of-war, and congratulating him on the defeat of Rosecrans; also telling him to hold on to his bonds, as they will soon be at par, and as Mr. Gray is about returning to the confederacy to return and bring out more bonds.

October 2, 1863.