Office of the Historian

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, November 15, 1864.

Sir: With reference to your note of the 3d ultimo relative to the information which you had received that Captain Hewitt, of the royal navy, was in com mand of a vessel engaged in running the blockade of the ports of the so-styled Confederate States, I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter from the admiralty on this subject, which has been forwarded to me by her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, stating that their lordships are not aware that Captain Hewitt, R. N., is engaged in blockade running, and that they would not sanction his being so employed.

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

For LORD LYONS,

J. HUME BURNLEY.

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

Mr. Romaine to Lord Lyons.

Admiralty, October 25, 1864.

Sir: I have laid before my lords commissioners of the admiralty your letter of the 24th instant, with its enclosure, relative to a statement made by Mr. Seward, the United States Secretary of State, that he had been informed that Captain Hewitt, of the royal navy, is in command of a vessel engaged in running the blockade of the ports of the so-styled Confederate States.

My lords desire me to state for the information of Earl Russell that if Captain Hewitt is so employed, it is without the knowledge of the board of admiralty, and will not be sanctioned by them.

I am, &c.,

W. G. ROMAINE.