Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In a note dated the 20th instant, I had the honor to call your attention to an order of the military authorities at Memphis, forbidding foreigners, who claimed exemption from militia service, to engage in trade.
The alarm and distress which this order and other measures adopted by the military officers at Memphis have spread among her Majesty’s subjects are very great, and I receive numerous applications from them for advice.
I trust that you will move the proper authorities to take the matter into consideration without delay, and I earnestly hope that you will authorize me to give to British subjects at Memphis such definite information respecting the views of the United States government as may dissipate their apprehensions, and enable them to feel some security as to their future position.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.