Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I had, ten days ago, the honor to receive your note of the 8th instant, informing me that the attention of this government was seriously directed to the subject of the imprisonment of the master and crew of the British steamer Banshee.
The case, as presented to me in the despatch from her Majesty’s consul at New York, which I had the honor to communicate to you on the 26th of last month, is that of British subjects—the master and crew of a British vessel— captured on suspicion of breach of blockade, who are detained as prisoners under direct instructions from the United States government.
You will at once perceive that, as the case stands, it is impossible for me to acquiesce in this exercise of power by the government of the United States. You will remember that it has more than once been my duty to declare to you, by order of her Majesty’s government, that it cannot be admitted that subjects of the queen are to be treated as prisoners of war because they form part of the crew of a vessel captured for breach of blockade; and you will not have forgotten the distinct and positive declaration to that effect which I made, by the express command of her Majesty’s government, in the note which I had the honor to present to you on the 31st October last, with regard to the case of the Victor. You will therefore readily understand that I feel bound to press, without further delay, for an explicit answer to my request or information as to the grounds of the imprisonment of the master and crew of the Banshee.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.