Chaeles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, June 25, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I feel it my duty to submit to your consideration a copy of the official report of Captain Winslow, of the United States steamer Kearsarge, to the Secretary of the Navy, respecting the action which took place on Sunday last with the vessel first known at Liverpool as the gunboat No. 290, and since under the name of the Alabama.

It would appear from this statement that a grave question has arisen as to the fact of the interference of a British vessel, with a view to aid in effecting the escape of a number of persons belonging to the Alabama, who had already surrendered themselves as prisoners of war. These persons have been brought to this kingdom, and are believed to be in readiness to enter again into the same service, on the first opportunity. Thus the system, heretofore so frequently brought to your lordship’s notice, of making this island the base of hostile operations against the commerce of the United States, is in danger of being carried on under a still more aggravated form.

I have the honor likewise to transmit a list of the names and official character of the persons who were picked up by the yacht Deerhound and brought to this island. I feel it my duty to call your attention to the remarkable proportion of officers and of American insurgents in this list as compared with the whole number of persons rescued from the waves. That this selection was made by British subjects with a view to connive at the escape of those particular individuals from captivity I can scarcely entertain a doubt.

Inasmuch as the questions involved in this proceeding appear to me of a character too serious to justify my proceeding further without specific instructions, I shall now content myself with simply submitting these papers for the information of her Majesty’s government.

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,