Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, July 11, 1864.

Sir: It has been represented to her Majesty’s government that in the case of a British steam vessel, the Pearl, which was released by the prize court at Key West, the United States district attorney has caused an appeal to be entered before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Her Majesty’s government are advised that it was certainly competent to the district attorney to take this course, but that it is not a usual one, and that it must, under the circumstances, be regarded as a harsh proceeding. Her Majesty’s government have accordingly instructed me to point out to you the hardship which this proceeding inflicts upon the owners of the Pearl, and to endeavor by friendly representations to obtain an abandonment of the appeal.

I trust that an examination of the case, conducted in an equitable and liberal spirit, will lead the government of the United States to give directions that the appeal be not proceeded with.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

LYONS.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.