Lord Lyons to Mr.
Seward.
Washington,
February 22, 1864.
Sir: With reference to my note of the 19th
instant, respecting the restrictions imposed upon trade between New York
and her Majesty’s possessions, I do myself the honor to submit to you a
copy of a letter, addressed to her Majesty’s consul at New York by Mr.
Edward Cunard, who represents that the enforcement of these restrictions
in the case of the royal mail steamer Corsica would render it necessary
to send that vessel to Nassau without freight.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Cunard to Mr. Archibald.
New York,
February 20, 1864
Sir: I wrote to you on the 8th instant
respecting the restrictions imposed by the collector of customs on
shipments to Nassau. The royal mail steamship Corsica is advertised
to sail on the 29th instant, and I have applications from merchants
to send freight by her, but on application at the custom-house I am
informed that, before the ship clears, I shall have to give the bond
and securities, as stated to you in my letter. As I cannot give
these, the steamer must proceed to Nassau without freight; and
should it prove that this restriction is not consistent with the
treaty stipulations between the United States and Great Britain, I
have to request that you will submit, for the consideration of Lord
Lyons, that I have a claim for the loss sustained thereby.
I have, &c., &c.,
E. M. Archibald, Esq., Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul.
