Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have received from the War Department an answer to the letter of this department, which was accompanied by a copy of your note of the 29th of June last, on the subject of an oath exacted from foreigner at New Orleans. Upon due consideration, the opinion of this department is, that the oath is a measure of necessary precaution for the public safety in a time of civil war, and in a city which is necessarily garrisoned as New Orleans is, and that the oath is warranted by public law. As it will be impartially administered to all foreigners, it is considered that no government can justly complain of its exaction from its subjects, to whom, if it should be unacceptable, due time will be allowed to depart beyond the limits of the United States.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.