Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State, Washington,
April 6, 1864.
My Lord: Recurring to your communication of the
24th ultimo in relation to the imprisonment in Fort Warren of Mr. Cory
the master, and Mr. Perries the chief officer, and three of the crew of
the British steamer Don, I have now the honor to enclose, in reply, a
copy of a letter of the 1st instant from the Secretary of the Navy,
stating that their release has been ordered, and that measures are being
taken for the discharge of all bona fide foreign
subjects captured in neutral vessels seized for breach of blockade,
where there is no other charge against them warranting their detention,
and they are not needed as witnesses.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy
Department,
April 1, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, enclosing a note from
Lord Lyons in reference to the detention and imprisonment in Fort.
Warren of the master, mate and three of the crew of the
blockade-running, steamer Don, who claim to be British subjects.
Orders have been given for the release of the persons referred to,
and measures are being taken for the discharge of all bona fide foreign subjects captured in
neutral vessels seized for breach of blockade, where there is no
other charge against them warranting their detention, and they are
not needed as witnesses.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
