GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy to William H. Seward, July 9, 1863

Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, inviting my attention to a copy of a communication from Lord Lyons, accompanied by a copy of a protest made by E. J. Locke, master of the English brig Isabella Thompson, relative to the capture of that vessel by the United States steamer United States on the 19th ultimo.

The Isabella Thompson has doubtless ere this passed into the hands of the prize court at New York, to which she was sent for adjudication, and the parties interested must abide the decision of that court; which tribunal will, without doubt, give a just decision upon the seizure, and award ample damages, should the seizure have been illegal and wanton.

Very respectfully, &c.,