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. 540.]

Legation of the United States, London, November 19, 1863.

Sir: I transmitted a copy of the pamphlet mentioned in my despatch of last week, No. 533, of 12th November, to Lord Russell, with a note, calling his attention to the fact that the author is a British subject, who was enlisted in England in an unlawful enterprise. His lordship has acknowledged the reception of both. Copies of the notes are herewith transmitted.

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

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

Legation of the United States, London, November 14, 1863.

My Lord: I have the honor to transmit a printed copy of the private journal of an officer of the steamer Alabama, which seems to have been furnished by the author for publication in the South African Advertiser and Mail, at Cape Town, in which newspaper it first appeared on the 19th of September last. The author appears to be Mr. G. T. Fullam, a British subject, belonging to Hull. I beg permission to call your lordship’s attention to the remarkable manner in which the narrative corroborates the essential portions of the deposition of C. R. Yonge, heretofore submitted to your consideration, some attempts to invalidate which were made in the course of the trial of the Alexandra. It likewise confirms, in almost every particular, the correctness of the representations which I had the honor to furnish from the consul of the United States at Liverpool, of the mode in which the gunboat “290” was originally equipped, fitted out and armed from that port.

I likewise pray your lordship’s attention to the abuse shown to be continually made of the national character of this vessel, in the fraudulent assumption of the flag or of the name of any other nation, at pleasure, whilst on the high seas. I need scarcely say, that such a license to cover piratical depredations has only been obtained for her by the recognition given to the parties in America, authorizing it, as a belligerent, abiding by the established rules of legitimate warfare.

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

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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

[Untitled]

Foreign Office, November 16, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, and its enclosure, respecting the proceedings of the “Alabama.”

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

RUSSELL.

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