The New York herald., 1861-12-21
No Formal Demand Yet Made Upon
Our Government.
THE EUROPEAN EXPEDITION TO MEXICO.
The Invitation to the United States Re.
ferred to Congress.
Financial Elan for Perfecting Our
Seac0ast Defences.
Important Letter from Secretary Cameron
on the Subject,
&C., &c, ke.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 1861.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 90 1851.
THE MAsON-sLIpELL AFFAIR.
Lord Lyons has had confidential conferences to-day
with Mr. Seward, but up TO eleven O'Clock TO night
written formal communication has been had and
and whatever has yet been made upon government
by the British Minister
The conferences between Lord Lyons and Mr.. Seward
were Of the most cordial and friendly character.
Captain Seymour, the Queens messenger, did not
turn in the Africa intended.
Tho Americas mails are anxoasiy looked for by our
government well as by Lord Lyons and 1t is un
likely that his LOrdship will withhold his demand upon
our government until they arrive.
1t is not true, teegraphed yesterday to New York
papers that the President called meeting OF the Cab
None whatever has been held the subject There
h good ground for believing that the text Of my despatch
rded last night reflects about position the
British government will take. The idea reflected
in the admirable letter Of General Scott which
by the way, is very highly spoken Of by
English and American statesmen here. It is be
leved TO have had excellent e1cc, upon the British
mind eminent British lawyer who stands the
law officers Of the Crown indicates private letter
received here j believed that Lord Lyons will pass
over the questions Of contraband dispatches and the
character Of the traitors Mason and sde rest his
demand upon the ground clearly presented by
General Scott, that should have seized the Trent
taken her into port and had her condemned by prize
court order to justify seizure of her passengers
Stated in other words offence would have been less
had been greater II is assuming the ground that the
wrong dono the British flag would have been mtgated
IT, instead Of ssizng the four rebels had seized the
Ship detained all her passengers for weeks aud conGs
Gated her cargo.
Strange as it may seem, have excellent official autho
rity for asserting that from present Appearances the
President said this morning in response question by
Senator 81 don't think we win have war with Eng
land in the next ten days"
Il Is Sfsued in high quarters that the United States
would be benefited by with England, the ground
that should be Immediately relieved Of the present
expense Of keeping up the blockade and could
guns upon the splendid commerce Of Great ri-
tain; that people just in fighting mood that in
few months shall have one Of tho magnHcen,
and well drilled armies the world saw with nothing
else do except to whip John Bull for third time
This kind Of reasoning not very popular among the OH
of the government but is really sentimen, ema-
mating from source entitled to consideration.
THE EUROPEAN EXPEDITION TO MExIco-wHAr WILL
CONGRESS DO?
The President, in his special message communicated
to the Senate yesterday refers the whole subject of the
"rpartte" expedition to Mexico asks the Senate to
has been invited to participate with England France
Spain in the expedition. It is question Of policy
whether should accept the invitation or decline
and loan Mexico the money pay the demands Of
the three Powers about to invade her SOIL Tho Presi
dent dskes TO take such responsibility at such
this, hence his request OF the Senate. The official
documents submitted bulky The Senate took no
action relative to the matter to-day consequently
reach it until next week, having adjourned until
Monday, and the two houses will probably adjourn
from Tuesday until after the holidays is not like
y that the question will be discussed until the 9Th or 9Th
Of January.
OUR SEA COAST DEFENcEs-lNTEREsrING OFFICIAL
CORRESPONDENCE ON THE SUBJECT
The President has transmitted the House Of Repre-
scnatives an interesting correspondence between the
Governor Of Maine and the federal government in rea
ton to the erection and Improvement OF our coast de-
fences The following letter of the Secretary Of War on
the subject explains the mode in which it is proposed
that these Notifications shall be constructed for the 90
vernment by the states-
SIE-Your communication to the President in reply TO
the official note OF the Secretary of State of the l4th Of
october IN reference to the Improvement Of the or,h-
cations and erection Of other deences Of the oya States
having been submitted 10 this department for exarntna
ton and report, | had the honor advise you,
under date of the 18th inst, that this de,
partment would appoint competent engineer TO
examine report on the detences re1nred within the
State Of Maine the first practical step towards the at
tainment OF the important ends in view.
In view Of the Importance this matter seems likely to
assume and IN response to the prompt and liberal con
duct Of the authorities Of the state Of Maine. am d
reced by the President to your Exceency Of his
readiness to avail himself Of the means placed a his dis
posa by the loyal states for the purpose Of having the
ports and harbors of the and lakes put in condition
OF complete defence The extent and character or such
expenditures can only be determined by the proper OIL
Gers OF the government 70 whom these matters must be
con1ded. Calls VIII only be made for such sums OF
money from the State govern et as NAV be required TO
perfect such works rs may be authorized The oblga
uon OF the state TO furnish all the required to
MAKE each WORK or defence perfect will greatly facilitate
tne speedy completion OF the several defensive works
undertaken
The improvements or foriHcations being made by the
money OF the state in the first instance advance To the
general government in the nature Of loan for ~
defence of the country large there 4 every reason t
believe that congress would sanction what the state shan
do in the premises and provide evidence of ndebteanoe
on the part OF the general government for the re-
endorsement Of the money within q reasonable ner,o5
The prompt suggestions OF the President as contained
in the official note of the Secretary State bv tbc ,na
nor Of Name, mas given proof Of the ovaltv and
patriotism OF its people whose liberal contributions or
patriotic men aud money has already afforded much sas
faction to the President and TO this department The
necessary plans estimates and specifications will be
seasoEabiy laid before your Exccency time for such
legislative actcn may be required and ON the receipt
of official information that means are provided on tho
above isdicatcd carry into execution the object
stated the prosecution of the system Of defence for your
State will be vigorously carried forward by the proper
agents officers OF the government.
have the honor TO be, your obcdicnt servant
SIMON CAMERON Secretary ofsWar.
His ExcEILEScY the Governor Of the State of Name
THE TRIAL OF COLONEL KERRlGAN.
At the trial of Colonel Keriran to-day Io important
facts elected The evidence FOR tho prosecution
win be closed morrow and The defence begin their
testimony.
THE Army.
Tns promotonsand appointments m the army Of tho