Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-12
Hon. JEREMIAH BLACK, Sec'y of State, &c,
LORD LYONS TO Mr.: BLACK

| WASHINGTON, Jan. Z.
SIR: / have received official information from her
majesty's CONSUL for South Carolina, that the de
dct0 authorities of that State have extnguished the
lighthouse. burned or otherwise destroyed the three
beacons, withdrawn the Gghtship, and removed the
buOys which served guides 10 the entrance of the
harbor at Charleston. The consul observes that
there is in consequence every probability that Brit
ish ships bound that harbor passing it their
voyage to other places, may get into serious trouble
and that much loss of life and property may ensue,
As regards vessels desiring 20 leave the harbor the
consul observes that the case Is but little different
Pilots he says might indeed be fOnnd to take such
vessels out; but should any accident happen it is,
he thinks TO be apprehended that the insurance
companies would refuse compensation, and thus, he
believes few masters would feel justified in running
the risk.
do not doubt that information of this state of
things has already reached the government of the
United States, and that such measures as circum-
stances admit of have been taken either to cause
the lights beacons, and buoys to be replaced, at
all events TO warn vessels approaching Charleston
of their danger. My object in addressing you is in
the first place. to free her majesty consul for South
Carolina and myself from all responsibility for any
loss of life and property which may unhappily ac
crue; in the second place to obtain, the highest
authority, and soon possible, such Information
respecting the measures taken in the matter may
allay the anxiety Of British subjects.
| have the honor TO be, sir, with the highest con-
sideration, your most obedient, humble servant,
Lyons.
Hon. JEREMIAH S. BLACK, Sec'y of State, &c.
Extracts
Mr.. BLACK TO LORD LYONS.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON January 10, 1861.
Ny LORD: have had TIE homer to receive your
lordships two notes dated respectively the 3lst ul
tmo and tie 9TH instant. l have land them before
the President, who directs to say in reply that
he deeply regrets that any injury should happen TO
the commerce of foreign and friendly nations and
especially that British subjects who are engaged in
lawful trade at the port Of Charleston should suffer
in consequence of the anomalous state OF things which
has existed there for short tine past.
In your lordship's first note several cases are put
and you request me to furnish such information re-
speeding them will enable you TO give definite IN
structOns to Her Majestys consulate at Charleston.
The points thus raised will be answered as fully as,
in the nature of things this Government can speak
OF events which have not yet occurred.
The jurisdiction OF the Federal Government to
regulate trade with foreign nations, and te impose
duties goods imported into the United States Is
exclusive. Congress has as you are fully aware
exerc sed this power by passing laws which clearly
define the duties rights, and liabilities of foreign
ers well American citizens engaged in that
business. This Government cannot acknowledge
any standard of legality any rule Of conduct
other than those prescribed in the statutes referred
to- Unnecessarily follows from this that paymentof
duties TO a person who is not the proper officer of
the United States. and authorised by the United
States to receive them, will be mispayment Eor
can clearance which may be obtained contrary to
those laws be regarded valid by the federal au-
thorities.
Whether the state of things now existing at Char
lesion will will not be regarded as sufficient
reason for not exacting the penalties which may be
incurred by British subjects, Is question which
am veYy sure you will the necessity of reserVing
until it practically 1t seems TO me impossible
to deal with it in the abstract to lay down any
general rule at this moment, which might not be
hereafter Each case VIII, no doubt
haves its own peculiarities. The degree OF
consraint under which the party who violates the
law may be compelled to tat the time, and what
amount of coercIve power South Carolina may BRING
to bear upon the masters Of vessels, or consgnees
Of cargoes facts which may have seme lnfience
but can not be ascertained now.
| regret that these considerations compel me to |
decline giving any concerning the inten-
ton of the President regard to the supposed case
you speak Of
Your lordship's motive in making the inquiry is |
fully appreciated. Any uncertainty on such sub |
lect is in ITSELF an evil which ought to be removed
if it could be. But the reliance which your lord
ship not but feel on the justice OF this govern
ment, will doubt quiet all apprehension of ulti-
mate wrong to British subjects, If such wrong can
possibly be avoided.
In reply to your lordships second note, which con-
the extinguishment of the lights, the destruc-
ton of the beacons, the removal of the buoys &C.,
which serve guides to the entrance of the harbor
Of Charleston am unable to say more at the pres
mt moment than that notice will be given to the
Treasury Department of the condition in which
hese acts of South Carolina have put the coast
l avail myself of this opportunity to renew to
your lordship the assurance of my high coRsidera-
ton. Us. BLACK.
Lord LYONS &c.
Mr.. SCHLEIDEN, of the Bremen Legation, addressed
the secretary of State note, similar to that from
Mr. BLACK. He also addressed the Secretary of
State as follows:
Mr.. SChIEIDEN TO Mr.. BLACK.
BREMEN LEGATION,
WASHINGTON, d. c., jan. 8.
SR-The Bremen Consul at Charleston, South
carolina, has transmitted to communication
directed TO him, on the 4th inst by the so-called
Executive Department at that place, concerning