Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Her Majesty’s government have had under their consideration the notes which you did me the honor to address to me on the 30th March and 6th April last, as well as our previous correspondence, respecting the detention by the United States government at Fort Warren of part of the crew of a British vessel the Don, which was captured on a charge of breach of blockade.
The master, chief officer, and three seamen of this vessel, after having been discharged by the commissioner of prize, were detained and transferred as prisoners to Fort Warren, in virtue of a general order from the United States government not to liberate the crews of captured vessels on the conclusion of their examination. These men were subsequently released, but her Majesty’s government nevertheless consider that their detention, and the order in consequence of which it took place, were unlawful.
Her Majesty’s government have repeatedly stated to the government of the United States that it is not competent to the belligerent to treat the crews of neutral vessels captured for breach of blockade as prisoners of war. They cannot consent that British subjects, whose evidence has been taken or is not required, shall be detained even temporarily as prisoners, and they have instructed me once more to press the United States government to revoke the general order which it has given for the imprisonment of British subjects captured on board neutral vessels.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.