Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: With reference to the correspondence which hag taken place between your lordship and this department on the subject of the exportation of live stock and anthracite coal from the United States to her Britannic Majesty’s possessions in this vicinity, I have to remark, that the temporary restrictions [Page 562] which it has been deemed necessary to place upon that trade have not been occasioned by any unfriendly sprit towards her Majesty’s government, or towards British subjects. The measure has been adopted after due deliberation, and has been dictated by public exigencies growing out of the present civil war. These have produced an extraordinary demand for fresh meat, for the military and naval forces of the United States; a demand which has created a comparative scarcity of that article, and a corresponding advance in its price. It has been deemed expedient to check that scarcity and that advance, so far as it can be done, by a restriction upon the exportation. The same consideration has ruled in the case of anthracite coal. With reference to this article, however, another element has measurably, at least, influenced the policy of this government, namely, the notorious fact that fuel of that character is, for obvious reasons, preferred by blockade-runners, who, before the restriction went into effect, were in the habit of supplying themselves with the article at those ports of her Majesty’s possessions near us, which, ever since the spring of 1861, they have made the bases of their operations.
It is confidently hoped, therefore, that her Majesty’s government will see that the measure complained of has been actuated by the high motive of self-preservation, and by no want of due sympathy for those residents of the adjacent British colonies to whom it may occasion temporary inconvenience.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your lordship the assurance of my high consideration.
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.