Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-04-25
Lyons.
"GCopy."l
With high respect,
Your obi, humble serV't, ~

lOOFy' j
@You will also convey 20 Mr.. Davis, at Richmond,
through such channel as shall be available, ard you
may, in your discretion deem proper, the formal pro-
test aud remoustrauce of Her Msjestys Government,
against the efforts OF the authorities of the socatd
Confederate States, to build vessels within Her
Msesy's dominions, to DO employed against tho Gov
eminent oil the United States. Perhaps your Lordship
might best accomplish this object by obtaining permits
sion from the authorities of both begerents TO senda
special messenger to Richmond with the necessary des-
patch In VIII ch you wi transmit this paragraph or the
substance of it. together with all that follows, TO the
CLOSE OF this communication.
"Her Msjcstys Government in taking this course,
desire Mr. Davis to rest assured that it is adopted
trely in that spirit of neutrality which has been de-
clared the pccy Of this country, with regard TO the
tSo belgerens row 80 amentably desolaing America,
and which viii continue to be pursued, with careful
aud An earnest ese TO make it conducive the most
rigid impardaiy and justice. -
after consulting with the Law officers Of the Grown,
Her Msjesty's Government have come TO the decision
that agents of TIE authorities OF the called Confede
States have en- engaged in bu idlag vessels which
would be at least partially equipped for war purposes
on leaving the ports Of this country; that these
vessels would undoubtedly bs used against the United
States a country with which this Government is at
peace; that this would be violation of the rality
laws of the ream and that the Government of the United
States would have jus. ground for serious complaint
against Her Majestys government should thy permit
such an ipfsc on OF the amicabe relations now SUB
sisting bet Seen tbe two CT ultres. 81;
, Hef MajesJ's Government confidently rely on the
frankness courtesy and discerament VIII CHI Mr.. DAYS
has dipayed in the difficult Circumstances in which he
has been placed during the pact three years, for
cogniion the correctness OF the position VIII oh Her
Maesty's Government have taken upon this subject
No mater what might be the Difficulty OF proving in
court Of law that the parties procuring the building Of
these vessels agents of the socilied Confederate
States il is universally understood throughout the
world that they are So and Her hsjesty's Government
are satisfied that Mr. Davis would not my that they are
So Constructed rams, as 'hese vessels are, they
would Ger anly be in condition on leaving port to in
aict the most serious damage vessels belonging TO
the United States shown by the destruction Of
the Cumberland, United States sloop-of-Har, by the
ram Merrmac merely by the latter ng into co.
lson with the Cumberland. Such vessels are 10 all IT.
tents aud purposes equipped vessels Of certain
mower although they De without gul or any ammu ii
ton on board; nor the ir, quent OF the word
eouip In the seage OF to furnish with everything
cas sary for a voyage, be held for a moment limit
adjudication the furnishing OF vessel with
thing which it might be possible to put upon her,
the ultimately putting of which her might be con-
tsmplated Such construction cannot be entertained
for an instant Ii il Gear that hundred and twenty
gunshp might be equipped for war purposes with any
fraction Of her aTmsmelt on board although she might
not bs 80 powerful or SO ;ent a. che would be- if sir
had the whole of il. A ram would be also equipped
far war purposes although the absencs of Der ordnance
and ammunition might render her less effective than che
would be with them This it is presumed by Her Ma
issty's Government VII be conceded by Mr. Davis,
without iurtker argument Illustration in support
of it.
"This much being established to the perfect convic-
ton Of her Msjesty's Government and the law officers
of The Orown and ADM ted, they are convinced it
must be- by Mr.. Davis, and by every other person of
sound and impartial judgment there is not the slightest
room 10 doubt that i is purpossd to the vessels Ia
question against the Unted Slate', country with
which this ration at peace and terms of amty and
that the permitting Of them TO leave the ports OF her
hajesiy's domnions would be violation of the neu-
traty laws cf the kingdom and such injutio Is act
towards tae United States would Justify the govern
ment OF ,hat unity in seriously complaining Oft
unfriendly anu offensive in the highest degree even to
eimminent peril Of fupturng the peaceful relations
now existing between he two countries.
"Under these circumstances, her Majesty's Govern
ment protest and remonsate against any further efforts
being made on e. part Of the so called Confederate
Safes or the authorities ageuts thereof to build or
cause to be built TO purchase Or cause to be pur-
chased any such vessels as those styled rams or any
other be used for purposes ganst the Uni
ted Sates against any cou1try with which the Uni
ted Kingdom peace aud terms OF amty; and her
haiestys Government urhe' protest and demonstrate
against all 10 violation Of tho neutrality laws OF the
realm.
al have the honor TO be,
"YOur Lordship's obedient servant
Dr. ~