Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 687.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
May 13, 1864.
Sir: The reports made from Liverpool of the
movements connected with the steamer Georgia have been of so singular a
character, and the government here had suffered them to go on with an
appearance of such utter indifference, that on Monday last I made up my
mind to address a note to Lord Russell, a copy of which is herewith
transmitted. Yesterday I received from his lordship the usual form of
acknowledgment, a copy of which is also sent.
Mr. Thomas Baring last week gave notice in the House of Commons of a
motion on the subject of this vessel, which is fixed to come up this
evening. It is possible that it may lead to a debate of some interest. I
find more hope is entertained in some quarters of an effect from it,
than I, from my point of observation, see any reason to indulge. The
fact is, nevertheless, undeniable, that whilst the threatening aspect of
affairs on the continent shall continue, the mercantile interests will
entertain some scruples of distrust of the wisdom of the policy that has
been pursued toward us on the ocean.
Should any important discussion ensue I shall transmit a report of it by
the steamer via Queenstown, in the usual course of the mail.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obdient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
Legation of the United
States,
London,
May 9, 1864.
My Lord: Information has been-received at
this legation of the arrival at Liverpool, in the night of 1st of
May, of the steamer formerly known as the
[Page 735]
Japan. This is the same vessel which, whilst
registered and held in the name of Thomas Bold, a British subject,
residing at Liverpool, was armed and equipped from this kingdom and
proceeded to depredate upon the commerce of the United States by
burning and destroying several merchant ships. I had the honor to
call your lordship’s attention to this subject in my note of the 7th
July, 1863.
It now appears that this vessel, having assumed the name of the
Georgia and the character of an armed ship of the insurgents of the
United States, has returned to Great Britain, at Liverpool. In what
character she has been received I have not yet been informed. I
learn that she is about to remain for an indefinite period, the men
having been discharged. I scarcely need to suggest to your lordship
that it has become a matter of interest to my government to learn
whether this vessel assumes the right to remain in virtue of her
former character, or, if received in her later one, why she is
permitted to overstay the period of time specified by the terms of
her Majesty’s proclamation. As she appears to have come directly
from a port on the coast of France, this apparent intention to lay
up would seem to be the more extraordinary.
I cannot but infer, from the course previously adopted towards the
armed vessels of the United States, that any such proceeding, if
taken by one of them, would have been attended with an early request
from your lordship to myself for an explanation. As some time has
now elapsed since the arrival of this vessel without the appearance
of the smallest interruption of her operations, I have felt it my
duty, in advance of the possibility of receiving instructions from
my government, not to omit to make this representation on its
behalf.
I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest
consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most
obedient servant,
The Right Hon. Earl Russell,
&c., &c., &c.
Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.
Foreign Office,
May 10, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, calling my attention to
the arrival of the steamer Georgia at Liverpool, and to state to you
that this matter shall be duly considered by her Majesty’s
government.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your
most obedient, humble servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
