Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, December 16, 1863

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I have the honor to submit to your consideration a copy of an extract from a letter addressed to me by Mr. Morse, the consul of the United States at London, together with an official copy of a paper which appears to prove that the vessel which escaped from Sheerness the other day, and now goes under the name of the Rappahannock at Calais, is actually owned and held by Robert Gordon Coleman, a British subject, doing business at No. 28 Clement’s lane.

I trust I need not point out to your lordship that this proceeding involves either a gross fraud or a case of hostile equipment attempted by one of her Majesty’s subjects. In either instance I cannot permit myself to doubt that her Majesty’s government will take suitable measures to sustain the neutrality of the country against violation.

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,