Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 30th ultimo, respecting the application on behalf of Messrs. McDonald Brothers and Company, of Montreal, Canada, who, having made large purchases o cotton under the Treasury regulations, are desirous that this government will issue such documents as will enable them to prosecute their business, and who, also having frequent occasion to visit Memphis in connexion with this business, fear that under the recent order relative to foreigners which was issued by the general commanding the district in which Memphis is situated they will not be permitted to do so. In reply, I have the honor to inform your lordship that I have referred the matter to the proper departments, whose decisions, when received, will at once be communicated to you.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c, &c.