Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Thomas and Charles Jones, claiming British protection, wrote to me on the 12th ultimo, stating that they had been captured on the steamer Lillian, and were then confined at Camp Hamilton, Virginia, and that they were the only two, out of fifty-eight men upon that vessel, who were held as prisoners.
Her Majesty’s vice-consul at Norfolk, to whom I referred the case, has reported to me that these two men have been detained in prison as witnesses.
If this be so, I must request that the men may not be kept any longer in confinement, but that they be now released on reasonable conditions, to appear at the trial for which their services may be required.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c, &c., &c.