Lyons to John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, January 18, 1864

Lord Lyons to Earl Russell.

I have the honor to transmit to your lordship herewith further papers relative to the affair of the Chesapeake.

Your lordship will perceive that I have communicated to Mr. Seward an extract from a despatch from Major General Doyle, and other papers, giving the reasons for sending the case of the Chesapeake before the vice-admiralty court, and recounting the endeavors made to arrest one of the men whose extradition has been demanded by this government.

I have informed Major General Doyle, in general terms, that Mr. Seward has addressed a note to me expressing regret and disapproval on the part of the President with regard to the proceedings of the United States naval officers in Nova Scotian waters.

Among the enclosures in the present despatch is a copy of a note from Mr. Seward demanding the extradition of the men concerned in the affair of the Chesapeake from Canada. I immediately communicated this demand by telegraph to Lord Monck, and I sent him by the first post a copy of the note.