E. M. Archibald to Lyons, January 21, 1863

Mr. Archibald to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have the honor to call your lordship’s attention to the enclosed ro promulgated by Major General Dix, commanding the department of the east, in reference to the commission appointed to investigate the cases of persons crested and imprisoned at Fort Lafayette and Fort Warren. The order was published in the newspapers of yesterday, and this morning I called at General Dix’s headquarters to ascertain the mode in which the proposed investigations are to be conducted in reference to the cases of British subjects imprisoned at Fort Lafayette. I was referred to Major Bolles, the judge advocate, who, with two other members of the commission, was then at the headquarters, and was informed by him that there would be, in the first instance, an examination of an ex parte character, in the nature of an inquiry by a grand jury, after which, if a further investigation were deemed necessary, the parties would be duly notified, and, as I am led to infer, counsel would be permitted to assist them in their defence of any charges which might be brought against them. In any case in which a further investigation might be deemed unnecessary, the commission would recommend the discharge of the arrested party.

I have, &c.,