CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury , to William H. Seward, February 12, 1864

Mr. Chase to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from the assistant collector of New York, received in response to your letter of inquiry of the 30th ultimo, concerning the seizure of the British schooner Etta, alleged to have been made at New York in the autumn of last year.

I am, respectfully,

Assistant Collector Clinch to Mr. Chase.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant, transmitting copy of a letter from the Secretary of State, enclosing copy of a communication from Lord Lyons relative to the alleged seizure of the British schooner Etta by the authorities of this port during last autumn, and requesting a report of the facts in the premises.

I do not find that vessel recorded on the books of this office as having been seized, and have made inquiry of the United States marshal, who has no knowledge of such seizure.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,