William H. Seward to Right Hon. Lord Lyons, January 3, 1864

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 2d instant, relative to the capture of the British schooner Don Jose by the United States cruiser Juniata.

Although this case seems to be a strong one, the President thinks it necessary, before acting upon it definitely, to call on the Navy Department for an explanation concerning the capture. This will be done immediately, and the captor will at the same time be furnished with a copy of the letter from Mr. Boynton of the 15th of July last, comprised in the accompaniments of your lordship’s note, with a view to draw his attention to the necessity of directness in his explanation.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,