Lyons to William H. Seward, February 29, 1864

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Her Majesty’s government have had under their consideration the notes which you did me the honor to address to me on the 18th of December last, and on the 9th of last month, respecting the case of the Chesapeake.

The readiness on the part of the government of the United States to make all proper and suitable reparations for the acts of its officers which was manifested by the first of these notes, has rendered it unnecessary for her Majesty’s government to insist upon the question which it would otherwise have been their duty to discuss at once with the government of the United States, namely, the willful and flagrant violation of her Majesty’s territory by the officers of the United States cruiser Ella Annie.

The government of the United States having subsequently made by the second note a full apology for the violation of her Majesty’s territory, it only remains for me to state to you that her Majesty’s government accept that apology in the same spirit in which it has been offered, and are truly glad that the matter has been settled in a manner honorable to both parties, and calculated to improve the friendly relations which her Majesty’s government are always anxious to maintain with the government of the United States.

I have, &c.,