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Lot 242
Lyons, Richard, 1st Viscount Lyons (1817-1887) British diplomat; Ambassador to the United States (1858-1865). Autograph letter signed ("Lyons"), 13½ pages, 9½ x 7½ in, Washington, July 29, 1864. To John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, who was British Foreign Secretary (1859-1865). Marked "Private." In part: "Mr. Seward spoke to me very complacently yesterday of his relations with England, France, Spain and Europe in gerneral….[He] went on to say that there were only two matters which he thought might cause 'trouble' - The first was the interference of the 'Deerhound' with the capture of Captain Semmes and the crew of the 'Alabama' - Mr. Seward did not appear to me to think himself that this constituted any real grievance, but he said that it was a matter which touched popular feeling - and that therefore he was very anxious that in answer to the representations which would be made, something as civil and conciliatory as possible should be written by Her Majesty's government - something which would help to set him right with the American People, when the correspondence was published. the other point which he thought might be troublesome was the stay that the [British warship] 'Florida' was reported to have made at Bermuda before her last expedition….All is now supposed to depend upon Sherman's Army before Atalanta [sic]. It seems to be admitted that Grant can do nothing without a large increase of force - and no one knows where the increase is to come from." He mentions "a great mine which has been pushed under one of the principal Confederate works before Peterburgh, and which is…to be exploded next week….it seems very doubtful whether it will produce any great result….the Confederates keep a force at the head of the Shenandoah Valley…and this renders the authorities here to uneasy….I could not take quite so complacent a view as Mr. Seward did of the relations between England and the United States. Grievances on our side seem to me to be accumulating. Perhaps I attach too much importance to the cases of imprisonment, interference with trade, and wrong of all kinds, whare are the labour of my life….He spoke as if he was looking for great successes, which give the Administration so much strength, that they need not fear that a settlement of the San Juan question would be misinterpreted….He was perhaps…apprehensive than an unsuccessful Campaign would weaken the Administration towards England and less Civil towards France than usual….the success of any policy in America, is that England and France should be looked on as nearly as possible as identical…I sounded Mr. Seward about the Reciprocity Treaty, and he seemed to think the wise course would be to let it alone…." Lyons says that he asked Seward if the "San Juan question" could be referred to arbitration and adds that if there were not a fair chance that a two thirds majority of the Senate would vote to establish an equitable boundary line, it was best to avoid the issue for the moment. He disagrees with Mr. Seward that the Congress had used no unfriendly language toward England, but he couldn't think of any examples to prove his point. "The best sign I see is that as the Election approaches, the arbitrary military measures at New York and other great places seem to be relaxed. A great military success in the field would no doubt enable the government to show vigour again in oppressing its enemies, or rather its political enemies." In December of 1864, Lyons left Washington, suffering from nervous exhaustion and migraines, and in the spring of 1865, he resigned his post, citing poor health. He had acquitted himself well during a most stressful time.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
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