[Inclosure.]

FORT LAFAYETTE, N. Y., December 24, 1861.

The Honorable Lord LYONS, &c.

MY LORD: I am imprisoned here by the United States Government for what cause I have not been informed. I was taken on the 13th of October last on board of the British steamer M. S. Perry on a voyage from Havana to Nassau, New Providence, via Key West. I am a British subject, shipped on board of said vessel as a seaman. I have not violated any laws of this country which would be suffiecient cause form my arrest and detention. I was born in North Shields, in England.

I ask you as a representative of my Government to procure my release.

Very respectfully,

WILLIAM REED.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 10, 1862.

ROBERT MURRAY, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New York.

SIR: You will please release William Reed, a prisoner in Fort Lafayette who is understood to have been taken fromon board the captured steamer Salvor or M. S. Perry unless his testimony should be deemed indispensable to the administration of justice.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 10, 1862.

Right Honorable Lord LYONS, &c.

MY LORD: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 31st ultimo asking for information respecting the case of William Reed an alleged British subject now imprisoned in Fort Lafayette, N. Y., and to state in reply that orders have been given hor his release unless his testimony should be deemed indispensable to the administration of justice.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your lordship the assurance of my high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

FORT HAMILTON, New York Harbor, January 13, 1862.

Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington.

SIR: In accordance with your instructions to Marshal Murray of January 10 I have this day released William Reed, one of the crew of the Salvor and a prisoner at Fort Lafayette.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MARTIN BURKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS, Key West, Fla., January 23, 1862.

Honorable W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington.

SIR: I have the ehonor to report that I have released from military custody Captain James McKay, of Florida. Captain McKay will proceed