Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
12 May 1863
Sir,
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 ofmenacingManuscript image menacing the British possessions.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
E. Hammond
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
Apprize the Governor of this assurance of Mr Seward.
ABd 13 May
Mr Fortescue
If we may trust the ordinary public intelligence, the Californians are anxious about defence and are occupying themselves with defensive works, but I have not seen any evidence that they contemplate aggression.
Transmit to the Governor, for his information, a copy of Lord Lyons's despatch?
TFE 13 May
CF 15
N 16
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Lyons to Earl Russell, 27 April 1863, advising that he had been assured that the U.S. government were not making military preparations for action against British possessions on the west coast.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Newcastle to Douglas, No. 20, 19 May 1863.