Right Hon. Lord Lyons to William H. Seward, April 1, 1864

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I hasten to submit to you the following papers which have been sent to me by Vice-Admiral Sir James Hope, commander-in-chief of her Majesty’s naval forces on the North American and West Indian stations :

1. Copy of letter from the British vice-consul at Matamoras to Captain Von Donop, of her Majesty’s ship Jason, dated February 13, 1864.

2. Copy of pass to enter the harbor of Brazos Santiago, given to the British vessel Scylla by Major General F. J. Herron, dated January 24, 1864.

3. Copy of statement of Francis Denty Hamilton, master of the Scylla, dated February 15, 1864.

4. Copy of letter from Captain Von Donop to Major General Herron, dated February 15, 1864.

5. Copy of letter from Major General Herron to Captain Von Donop, dated February 17, 1864.

6. Copy of letter from Captain Von Donop to Major General Herron, dated February 20, 1864.

You will see with great pain that there is too much reason to fear that the United States military authorities in the Rio Grande have had recourse to a device involving a direct breach of faith, for the purpose of entrapping and seizing the Scylla. In sending me the papers, Vice-Admiral Sir James Hope expresses his conviction that immediate redress will be given by the United States government when the circumstances are brought to its notice, and I am myself confident that the United States government will be prompt in taking measures to vindicate the honor of its army, and to make reparation for the injury inflicted on the subjects of a friendly sovereign.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,