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

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State,
Washington, October 16, 1861.

CIRCULAR.

My Lord: The judge of the court of the United States for the southern district of New York having recently decided, after elaborate argument of counsel, that the law of blockade does not permit a vessel in a blockaded port to take on board cargo after the commencement of the blockade, with a view to avoid any future misunderstanding upon this subject, you are informed that the law, as thus interpreted by the judge, will be expected to be strictly observed by all vessels in ports of insurgent States during their blockade by the naval forces of the United States.

I avail myself of this occasion to offer to your lordship a renewed assurance of my high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

The Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.