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

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

No. 924.]

Legation of the United States, London, April 12, 1865.

Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 896, of the 16th of March, I have the honor to transmit a copy of a note from Lord Russell, of the 6th instant, in reply to mine of the 7th of last month, based upon the instructions contained in your despatch No. 1271, of the 16th of February.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams

Foreign Office, April 6, 1865.

Sir: With reference to my letter of the 10th ultimo, I have now the honor to inform yon that her Majesty’s government are advised that although the proceedings of the steamer Confederate States, formerly Laurel, may have rendered her liable to capture on the high seas by the cruisers of the United States, she has not, so far as is known, committed any offence punishable by British law, and that there was nothing contrary to the law of nations in placing a mail-bag on board of her for conveyance to Liverpool.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant.

RUSSELL.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.