Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: With reference to the note which you did me the honor to address to me on the 11th instant, respecting two schooners which were lying in Canadian waters under circumstances thought to be suspicious, and to my reply thereto, dated the 13th instant, I have the honor to state that, in answer to a communication which I addressed to the governor general upon this subject, his excellency has informed me that he will take immediate steps to ascertain the accuracy of the report respecting the schooners in question, and so prevent any violation of the neutrality of her Majesty’s dominions, should it prove to be well founded.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.