Charles Francis Adams to Hon, William H. Seward, December 21, 1865

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have received from Mr. Graham, the consul of the United States at Capetown, a letter dated the 13th November, reporting a proposal made to him by her Majesty’s naval commander at Simon’s Bay to deliver to him the Tuscaloosa, which has been lying there so long. I presume that Mr. Graham has already reported the facts directly to the department. Hence it will be only necessary for me to say that in answer to his application to me for instructions, I replied by approving the course he had taken in agreeing to take the vessel, on behalf of the government, for the private owners, with an express reservation of all claims on the British government for damages of any kind by reason of the capture and long detention.

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