Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, August 1, 1863

[Enclosures.]

1. Mr. Adams to Lord Russell, August 1, 1863.

2. Lord Russell to Mr. Adams, August 11, 1863.

Mr. Adams to Lord Russell.

My Lord: From information received by the government which I have the honor to represent, the fact has come to its knowledge that his excellency Governor Seymour, of Belize, in British Honduras, has given notice to the merchants of that place of his intention to enforce the law against repacking gunpowder there, and limiting the quantity of that article which persons may keep in store. This proceeding is likely to have the effect to check a contraband trade with the insurgents in the United States, by which they have heretofore received supplies of that article, and to that extent is considered as indicative of a disposition to abstain from participation in the struggle now going on.

I am directed to make this fair and impartial conduct of his excellency the subject of special acknowledgments to her Majesty’s government.

I pray your lordship’s acceptance, &c.

[Untitled]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, conveying the thanks of the United States government for certain regulations issued by Governor Seymour with regard to gunpowder at Belize.

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