Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State, Washington,
January 26, 1864.
My Lord: Recurring to your note of the 13th
instant, inquiring, under the instruction of her Majesty’s government,
concerning the capture of the British brigs Volante, of Jersey, and
Dashing Wave, of Liverpool, I have now the honor to enclose a copy of a
letter of the 19th instant, from the Secretary of the Navy, which
contains the desired information.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c.,&c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy
Department,
January 19, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, enclosing a copy of a
note addressed to you by Lord Lyons, in which, under the
instructions of her Britannic Majesty’s government, he asks to be
informed of the grounds upon which the British brigs Volante, of
Jersey, and Dashing Wave, of Liverpool, have been captured by United
States cruisers at Matamoras.
In reply, I have to state that the brigs at the time of their capture
were in American waters, and, haying contraband cargoes, they were
sent in for adjudication. The merchandise of which their cargoes
consisted was not believed by the officers of the United States.
navy who made the seizure to be either legitimate or neutral. The
judgment of the court will be conclusive.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GIDEON WELLES. Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
