Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: You did me the honor on the 6th instant to inform me that measures were being taken for the discharge of all bona fide foreign subjects captured in neutral vessels seized for breach of blockade. On the 18th instant I submitted to you a list of twenty-eight persons captured on board British vessels, and claiming British protection, who were detained as prisoners by the United States government. All these persons except Isaac Fisher are, I am afraid, still imprisoned.
I have, moreover, reason to fear that there are British subjects captured under similar circumstances who are detained at or near Fortress Monroe, and I deem it to be my duty to request you to give me, without delay, information on this subject. I consider it also to be right that I should ask you whether, in addition to the cases which have come to my knowledge, and which I have brought before you, there are other British subjects, or persons claiming to be British subjects, who, having been captured on board British or other neutral vessels are held as prisoners by the government of the United States.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.