Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 7th instant, on the subject of the abduction of Ira Lee and George Cooper from United States territory by a Canadian constable. The expression of regret for the occurrence on the part of the governor general of Canada is accepted as sufficient, and as the proof shows that the prisoners were in all probability guilty of a felony, this government has no desire that they should be returned within United States jurisdiction. I concur, however, with Lord Monck in his opinion of the mischievous tendency of such irregular proceedings, and will do anything which I can towards thwarting and preventing them from this side of the frontier, as he has done in respect to that of Canada.
The notes on the trial of the prisoners are herewith returned, pursuant to your request.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.