Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Washington, October 14, 1861.
My Lord: I have had the honor to receive your note of the 12th instant in answer to mine of the 4th, relative to the carriage of passengers and private letters in vessels of war of foreign powers to and from ports of the United States under blockade.
In reply, I have the honor to acquaint you that no complaint has been made to this department that any British vessel had indulged in this practice; but insomuch as such a proceeding, if acquiesced in at all by this government, would defeat the objects of the blockade, it was deemed advisable to address a circular upon the subject to the representatives here of the principal maritime powers. No objection is entertained to the transmission, through the channel of vessels of war of friendly powers, of any official correspondence, with the agents of those powers in blockaded ports.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer to your lordship a renewed assurance of my high consideration.
The Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.