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Lisbon, April 8. 1845

Sir

I have received a communication from the Mr Consul Smith, with whom Mr Burnett has spoken about the Papers you sent me in April last relative to a claim for the proceeds of a vessel found derelict at Fayal.

I had already received the case from the Earl of Aberdeen, and had received the assurance from the count Tojal that he was satisfied with the evidence produced that the claimants were the parties to whom the money now in deposit should be paid, and that order should be given for the payment to them of the sum in question, so soon as the case was brought before him by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I accordingly addressed His Excellency S.nr Gomes de Castro on the subject, + placed the business in [crossed out: this] its regular courses. I am much disappointed at learning that the matter has not been duly settled. I shall do what I can to overcome the vexatious delays which are invariably attendant upon all payments of monies at the Treasury.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant
(signed) Howard de Walden Seaford

[address at bottom left]
Wm Lane Esq.r

Lord Howard de Walden presents his compliments to Mr Lane and with reference to his previous communication to him of the 8th Ult.o on the subject of the proceeds of the "Myrtle" begs to acquaint him that he has rec.d a Note from the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs in answer to a representation which Lord Howard made to that Minister, in which his Excellency states that the case was referred to the Tribunal of Treasury by the Minister of Finance in a Portaria drawing date the 16th Jan.y last, + that on the [2d? 20?] ult. the Minister of Finance ordered the Tribunal in question to comply with the above Portaria. His Excellency further adds that he will hasten to give a final answer to Lord Howard on this matter as soon as he receives it from the Minister of Finance.
13 Ligation
Lisbon May 7, 1840