Office of the Historian

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

No. 85.]
Department of State,
Washington, September 10, 1861.

Sir: I transmit a copy of an intercepted letter of the 30th of July last, from John P. Baldwin, of Richmond, Virginia, to Henry Adderley, at Nassau, New Providence, relative to the shipment of arms and powder from that place for the use of the insurgents in this country. The existing British statute for the prevention of armed expeditions against countries at peace with Great Britain is understood to be similar to our act of Congress of the 5th of April, 1818. Proceedings like that referred to in the letter of Baldwin, however, afford us special reason to expect legislation on the part of the British government of the character of our act of 1838, referred to in my instruction to you of the 7th instant, numbered 83. It may be, however, that the British executive government now has the power to prevent the exportation of contraband of war from British colonies near the United States for the use of the insurgents in the south. Should this be the fact, you will bring the subject to the attention of Lord Russell, and request that proper instructions in regard to it may be given to the colonial authorities.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles F. Adams, Esq.

Mr. Baldwin to Mr. Adderley.

Richmond, Virginia, July 30, 1861.

My Dear Adderley: The secretary of the navy of the Confederate States of America has ordered from England, to be shipped to Nassau, a quantity of arms and powder. I have recommended them to be consigned to you, and [Page 155] I have to ask of you, as a favor to me, to take good care of them. I will be with you soon, and will expect your aid in transhipping the same.

I must request you to regard this as a confidential communication, and will explain the reasons when we meet. You need not write me at all on the subject.

Hoping soon to see you, I remain your friend,

JNO. P. BALDWIN.

Henry Adderley, Esq.,
Nassau, N. P., Bahamas.