Message of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Washington, October 17, 1861.

Sir: I beg to offer you my thanks for the note dated the 14th instant, which you have done me the honor to write to me in answer to that dated the 12th instant, which I addressed to you on the subject of transmitting official correspondence by her Majesty’s ships of war to the blockaded ports.

It is with reluctance that I importune you further in this matter. But as I am very anxious to avoid all risk of misapprehending your wishes, I venture to ask you whether I am right in understanding that you have no objection to my sending to the blockaded ports, by her Majesty’s ships of war, not only British official correspondence with British authorities, but also the official correspondence of other powers friendly to the United States, with the agents of the same powers in the southern States.

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

LYONS.

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