I am directed by 
Earl Russell to transmit to you, to be laid before
               the 
Duke of Newcastle, a Copy of a despatch from 
Lord Lyons stating
               that he had been requested by 
Mr Seward to assure Her Majesty's
               Government that there was no truth in the rumours of military
               preparations in California with a view of
menacing
 menacing the British
               possessions.