Right Hon. Lord Lyons to William H. Seward, March 24, 1864

Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter which I have received from Mr. Cory, the master of a British steam vessel named the Don, and an extract from a letter which I have reeeived from Mr. Femes, chief officer of the same vessel.

I am informed that the Don was captured at sea on the 4th of this month, on suspicion of an intention to break the blockade; that Mr. Cory and Mr. Ferries (and probably the seamen also) were examined before the prize commissioners and discharged; and that thereupon, instead of being set at liberty, they were sent as prisoners to Fort Warren.

The letters of Mr. Cory and Mr. Ferries seem to leave no doubt that they are themselves British subjects, and the presumption is that the three seamen are British subjects also.

I am, therefore, obliged again to remind you that I am positively instructed by her Majesty’s government to press in the strongest manner upon the attention of the government of the United States the rule, that neutrals found on board neutral vessels captured for breach of blockade are not in the category of prisoners of war; that the authority of the belligerent over them extends only to the detention of the witnesses necessary to establish the case, and that it is the duty of the belligerent to afford every reasonable facility for their early release.

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