Charles Francis Adams to John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, May 9, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

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 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,