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

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

No. 913.]

Legation of the United States, London, March 30, 1865.

Sir: In my despatch No. 884, of the 23d February, I made a report of my action under the instructions contained in your No. 1257, of the 1st of the same month, I now transmit a copy of a note from Lord Russell in reply. The allegation against the master of the Linda Florida appears to be in substance admitted as true, though the consul pleads ignorance of the actual character of the flag.

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

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams

Foreign Office, March 27, 1865.

Sir: I instructed her Majesty’s consul for the Balleric islands to direct the British vice-consul at Port Mahon to furnish a report relative to the alleged misconduct of the master of the British vessel Linda Florida, in hoisting an American flag under the British colors when in that harbor. And I have now the honor to enclose, for your information, a copy of the vice-consul’s report upon the subject.

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

RUSSELL.

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

Mr. Mercadal to Mr. Considine

British Vice-Consulate, Mahon, March 10, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 1, dated March 6 current, respecting the information obtained by Earl Russell of the British vessel Linda Florida, of which Mr. Hallowell was master, having hoisted an American flag under the British colors when in the harbor of Port Mahon.

I beg to report to you, as directed by his lordship, that I had no knowledge of the facts of this case. I immediately made inquiries as to the truth of the allegation, and from the particulars I could obtain, I beg now to inform you that, on the 1st of January, current, in addition to her signals which she kept flying that day, the Linda Florida, then in the harbor of Mahon, hoisted at the foremast head a flag, which some persons described to have been the American flag, whilst others, without having an absolute certainty of their assertion, suppose to have been the colors adopted by the States styling themselves the Confederate States of America.

I have, &c, &c,

F. MERCADAL, Vice-Consul.

J. Considine, Esq., &c., &c., &c. Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Palma.