Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.
No. 84.]
Department of
State,
Washington,
September 10, 1861.
Sir: I send you an extract of a letter just
received from Mr. Francis Bernard, in the island of Trinidad. It shows a
clear case of connivance by the authorities of that island with the
insurgents of the United States, in violation of the rights and dignity
of this government, if the facts are truly presented. You will bring the
subject to the notice of Lord Russell, and will, if the case shall not
be satisfactorily explained, ask for such proceedings in the premises as
shall make the authorities of the island sensible of the displeasure of
the imperial government, and prevent such occurrences in the future.
For your satisfaction, I state that a new consul has been appointed at
Trinidad, and that he is now on his way to that island.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Bernard to
Mr. Seward.
[Extract.]
Trinidad,
August 7, 1861.
Sir: I beg to inform you that on the 30th
ultimo a steam sloop-of-war (Semmes commander) carrying a secession
flag, five guns, some of a large calibre, and a crew of from 120 to
150 men, sailed boldly in our harbor and reported herself to the
authorities of this island as being on a cruise. She was last from
Puerto Cabello; and since she succeeded in getting out of the
Mississippi river she has already captured no less than eleven
American vessels. I have ascertained the names of some of them, viz:
the Joseph Maxwell, Abe Bradford, Minnie Miller, West Wind, of
Westerly, with a
[Page 154]
cargo of
sugar from Havana, and Golden Rocket, which was burnt by her off the
coast of Cuba.
The Sumter landed eight of her prisoners here in a destitute
condition; but a contribution has been raised here for their
benefit, sufficient to supply their immediate wants, and I will take
care that they are provided for till an opportunity offers to ship
them to the States.
The Sumter remained here till the 5th instant, and was allowed to
supply herself with coals and other necessary outfits. The British
flag was hoisted on the government flag-staff for her arrival, and
the officers of the British war vessel “Cadmus” appeared to be on
amicable terms with those of the Sumter. The merchant who supplied
the Sumter with coals did it with the consent and approval of our
attorney general.
Being a loyal American, I consider it my duty to send you these
informations, as there has been no consul of our nation in this
island for many months.
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
The Secretary of State
of the United States.
