No. 15
8 May 1863
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a Despatch from Lord Lyons enclosing copies of a correspondence between his Lordship and Mr. Seward relative to an alleged attempt to fit out a Privateer at Victoria Van Couver Island for the service of the Confederate States.
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I have no means of judging of the authority due to these rumours, but you will not fail to use every effort in your power to prevent any Privateers or Vessels of War being fitted out from Van Couver Island and British Columbia for the service of either of the belligerents.
With reference to my Circular Instruction of the 16th of May, and to your reply of the 20th of August 1861, I cannot doubt that you have already felt the propriety of this course, but, adverting to the recent rumours on the subject, I have thoughtitManuscript image it right not to omit repeating directions to you to adhere strictly to the duties of neutrality and to prevent the unlawful equipment at a British Port of any vessel destined for Warlike purposes.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
Newcastle
Other documents included in the file
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Copy, Lyons to Russell, April 7, 1863, forwarding a "note" from William Seward.
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Copy, Seward to Lyons, March 31, 1863, informing Lyons that an English steamer was "fit out" as a "Privateer" vessel "under the flag of the insurgents."
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Copy, Lyons to Seward, April 2, 1863, acknowledging the receipt of Seward's "note."
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Copy, Lyons to the Government of Vancouver's Island, April 2, 1863, forwarding Seward's "note."
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Copy, Lyons to Russell, April 17, 1863, enclosing copies of correspondence with William Seward.
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Copy, Seward to Lyons, April 13, 1863, forwarding a telegram from the Collector of the Customs at San Francisco "relative to conspiracies of Insurgents in the neighbouring British Colony of Vancouvers Island."
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Copy, Lyons to British Consul at San Francisco, April 14, 1863, seeking guidance on "Privateer" situation.
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Copy, Lyons to Seward, April 16, 1863, acknowledging the receipt of Seward's "note."
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Copy, Lyons to the Government of Vancouver's Island, April 2, 1863, forwarding Seward's "note."
Pelham-Clinton, 5th Duke of Newcastle Henry Pelham Fiennes to Douglas, Sir James 8 May 1863, NAC :, 228. The Colonial Despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871, Edition 2.0, ed. James Hendrickson and the Colonial Despatches project. Victoria, B.C.: University of Victoria. https://bcgenesis.uvic.ca/V637015.html.

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