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

Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

Department of State, Washington, June 9, 1863.

My Lord; On the second instant there was received at this department a despatch from Seth C. Hawley, esquire, United States consul at Nassau, containing a narrative and papers touching transactions which occurred on the occasion of a recent visit of the United States war steamer Rhode Island. These papers were committed by me to the honorable the Secretary of the Navy for his information. In remitting them to this department, the Secretary remarked that he thought it desirable that the despatch, or that part of it which relates to the deportment of Governor Bayley towards Commander Trenchard, should be brought to the notice of her Majesty’s government, in order that it might be made acquainted with the supposed sympathies of the colonial authorities of that island with the insurgent enemies of the United States. The Secretary of the Navy added, that at his department they know the true character of the Simms, and that although coming from an English port, and under British colors, and seeking refuge within the maritime jurisdiction of a British colony, she was carrying supplies to the insurgents. He thinks also that it cannot he doubted that Governor Bayley also knew this to be the true character of the vessel, and that his desire to protect her was the cause of his taking the course at first, from which he afterwards receded.

On the other hand, that recession certainly leaves no actual ground of complaint, and none is therefore made. But, in compliance with the suggestion of the Secretary of the Navy, I put the papers in your lordship’s hands with the view that, if you should think it useful in the interest of harmony between the two countries to bring the supposed partiality of Governor Bayley to the notice of your government, you may have the means of doing so.

I have the honor to be with high consideration, your lordship’s obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.

[Extract.]

Mr. Hawley to Mr. Seward.

No. 30.]

United States Consulate, Nassau, N. P. May 30, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to repeat that, on the 27th instant, I received a note from the colonial secretary, a copy of which is enclosed, marked No. 1. I have replied to it, a copy of which is enclosed, marked No. 2.

I have forwarded a copy of the governor’s note to Rear-Admiral Wilkes, and shall avail myself of the first opportunity to send one to Commander Trenchard.

I beg leave to add, that this communication, with the notes from the governor, in relation to the visits of the Rhode Island and Chippeway to this port, of which I advised your department in despatches Nos. 28 and 29, indicate, in my opinion, that he is seeking pretexts for prohibiting altogether visits of our men-of-war to the port of Nassau. I am so deeply impressed with this view, that I would be pleased to have instructions what reply to make, and what to do, in case the governor should give me notice of that character. I think he has been pressed to take such a step by those in interest and sympathy with the rebellion.

* * * * * * * *

I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, yours,

S. C. HAWLEY, United States Consul, Nassau, N. P.

Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.

[Enclosure No. 1.]

Mr. Nesbitt to Mr. Hawley.

Colonial Secretary’s Office, Nassau, May 21, 1863.

Sir: The resident justice at Inagua having reported that the United States vessel-of-war Rhode Island, Commander Trenchard, without previously communicating with the authorities of Inagua, entered Mathewtown roadstead and anchored at about 11 a.m. of the 16th instant, the governor has directed me to communicate the same to you, and to express his excellency’s great regret at this marked discourtesy on the part of an officer who perfectly well knew the tenor of the Queen’s proclamation.

His excellency desires me to add, that if the very reasonable terms of that proclamation are not adhered to, it will be his very unpleasant duty, and one which his excellency will perform with very great regret, to warn off all United States vessels-of-war from the ports of the colony.

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

C. B. NESBITT, Colonial Secretary.

[Enclosure No. 2.]

Mr. Hawley to Mr. Nesbitt.

United States Consulate, Nassau, N. P., May 27, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this date, in which you are pleased to state that “the resident justice at Inagua having reported that the United States vessel-of-war Rhode Island, Commander Trenchard, without previously communicating with the authorities at Inagua, entered Mathewtown roadstead and anchored about 11 a. m. of the 16th instant.” You further state that “the governor had desired me (you) to communicate with you (me) and to express his excellency’s great regret at this marked discourtesy on the part of an officer who perfectly well knew the tenor of the Queen’s proclamation.”

You further state that “his excellency desires me (you) to add, that if the very reasonable terms of that proclamation are not adhered to, it will be his unpleasant duty, and one which his excellency will perform with very great reluctance, to warn off all United States vessels-of-war from the ports of the colony.”

Will you do me the favor to inform his excellency that I shall forthwith lay before the United States government the information and notice received as above, and that the government will unquestionably give it due attention; and further, that I shall avail myself of the earliest means of advising Rear-Admiral Wilkes of the matter.

I trust that the governor will not see in the act of Commander Trenchard any designed discourtesy towards himself, or disregard of the authority of her Majesty the Queen, as I am confident none was intended.

It will be observed that the text of the proclamation is as follows: “No ships-of-war, or privateers, belonging to either of the belligerents, shall be permitted to” enter,” &c, &c, “except by special leave of the governor of the Bahama islands, or in case of stress of weather.” The special leave of the governor only is mentioned; no other or minor officer or authority can be intended from the language of the proclamation.

It seems to me that it cannot create surprise that Commander Trenchard did not understand that it was proper to apply to a subordinate magistrate of Inagua to exercise a power conferred upon his excellency only. I am confident that if he had supposed it proper to make such an application to any officer at Mathewtown, he would have made it.

I observe, of course, that your note assumes that “the authorities of Inagua should have been previously applied to.” But to avoid all future mistakes and to enable me to advise our cruisers, I beg to be informed whether his excellency intends that the local officers of the out-islands shall exercise the power in question; and if so, what officer or officers it will be proper to apply to in the several localities.

I wish, when transmitting to my government the charges against Commander Trenchard, to send with it the particular facts upon which the charge is founded, as set forth in the resident justice’s report. I hope it will be proper to furnish me with a copy for this purpose.

Be pleased to assure his excellency that I regret any and every circumstance that can properly tend to disturb the friendly relations which ought to continue between England and the United States, and that my best endeavors may be relied on to prevent or cure any irregularity or wrong which may tend to disturb them.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. C. HAWLEY, United States Consul, Nassau, N. P.

C. E. Nesbitt, Esq., Colonial Secretary, Nassau, N. P.