Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, February 12, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your note of the 8th instant, in reply to mine of the 19th of last month, in relation to the abuses made of the neutrality of her Majesty’s territories by the insurgents of the United States. I have transmitted a copy of the same for the consideration of my government.

It gives me great satisfaction to learn that her Majesty’s government have taken steps to prevent the violation of the neutrality of her territories. Such acts, initiated from the frontiers of her possessions in Canada, are peculiarly dangerous, by reason of the treaty obligations of the two countries to abstain from armaments on the waters that separate them in America. It gives me great regret to be compelled to believe that the projects of carrying on hostile operations from one or more points along those lines have not yet been abandoned, and that considerable numbers of men are actually concentrating in Canada with a view to make an attack on some unprotected spot. Considering the danger of the complications to which even a casual and temporary success might lead, I trust I may be pardoned for recurring once more to the subject. I have never admitted the idea for a moment that, in acknowledging the belligerent character of the insurgents, it was the intention of her Majesty’s government to yield to them extraordinary facilities for the abuse of the neutrality adopted by Great Britain. But it is impossible, in the face of the facts, to deny that such has been and is the case. The very position of a belligerent implies responsibility for its action. Yet it is quite apparent that thus far no means have been arrived at by which effectively to impose any restraint upon its most lawless proceedings. In selecting the northern borders of the United States these people well understand the object they have in view, which is not so much to annoy or harass the population living there as to create a state of excitement, which might, in its consequences, involve a misunderstanding between the two nations. Even with the utmost vigilance of the authorities on both sides, it is scarcely to be hoped that every attempt of the kind, if often renewed, could be prevented. It is for this reason that I beg your lordship’s pardon if I renew my urgency for the adoption of some measures which may more effectually remove this danger at its very source.

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,