Earl Russell to Lord Lyons
My Lord: I transmit herewith, for your information, a copy of a despatch from her Majesty’s consul at Tenerifte, stating the circumstances under which the steamship Sea King has come into the possession of officers of the Confederate States.
I have at the same time to acquaint you that her Majesty’s government took immediate steps, on the arrival in England of the men referred to in Mr. Consul Grathan’s despatch, who had formed part of the crew of the Sea King, to make an investigation into the circumstances of the case, and that under the advice of the law officers of the Crown her Majesty’s government have given directions that Captain Corbett shall be prosecuted for violation of the foreign enlistment act.
I am, with great truth and regard, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.