Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 367.]

Legation of the United States, London, April 8, 1863.

Sir: I send by this steams copies of two notes written to-day. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Enclosures.]

1. Mr. Adams to Earl Russell, about the Japan, at the island of Alderney, arming, April 8.

2. Mr. Hammond’s reply, (private,) April 8.

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

Legation of the United States, London, April 8, 1863.

My Lord: From information received at this legation, which appears entitled to credit, I am compelled to the painful conclusion that a steam vessel has just departed from the Clyde with the intent to depredate on the commerce of the people of the United States. She passed there under the name of the Japan, but is since believed to have assumed the name of the Virginia. Her immediate destination is the island of Alderney, where it is supposed she may yet be at this moment. A small steamer called the Allar, belonging to New Haven, and commanded by Henry P. Maples, has been loaded with a large supply of guns, shells, shot, powder, &c., &c., and is either on the way, or has arrived there. It is further alleged that a considerable number of British subjects have been enlisted at Liverpool, and sent to serve on board this cruiser.

Should it be yet in the power of her Majesty’s government to institute some inquiry into the nature of these proceedings in season to establish their character if innocent, or to put a stop to them if criminal, I feel sure that it would be removing a heavy burden of anxiety from the minds of my countrymen in the United States.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

The Right Honorable Earl Russell, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Hammond to Mr. Adams.

F. O., April 8, 1863.

My Dear Sir: I found your immediate letter on my arrival at the office at 12.45, and as your mail goes, I believe, to-day, you may like to know at once that within half an hour from that time it was sent to the home office, within whose particular jurisdiction are the Channel islands.

A copy will also be sent to the treasury as soon as it can be made.

You shall have an official acknowledgment of your letter as soon as I can get Lord Russell’s signature; but he is out of town.

Very respectfully, yours,

E. HAMMOND.

C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.