Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have received, and have submitted to the President, your despatch of December 4, No. 550, which is accompanied by a copy of a note addressed to [Page 79] you by Earl Russell, in reply to the representation you have made concerning a contract by insurgents with British subjects, in which Bermuda was designated as a place for the receipt of contraband merchandise, to be shipped to the insurgents.
While I admit that the evidence, to which reference is made, is attended by the uncertainty and want of directness which his lordship indicates, I cannot but think that it is sufficient to justify the United States in expecting her Majesty’s government to institute precautionary measures against the execution of a purpose, in the island of Bermuda, so manifestly injurious to this country, and derogating from the impartial neutrality which Great Britain has proclaimed. It is hardly to be expected that the United States could procure direct and conclusive evidences of frauds and combinations plotted by its enemies living under the protection of British laws.
I shall continue to furnish you with such circumstantial proofs upon the point involved as fall into my hands. Of this class is the accompanying extract from the Morning Telegraph, a newspaper printed at St. John’s, New Brunswick, on the 5th instant.
Of the same class is the fact that Lieutenant Rooke, of her Majesty’s army, was detected carrying a contraband mail to Bermuda, to be delivered to insurgent agents there.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles F. Adams, Esq., &c.,&c., &c.