Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, February 22, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I am directed by my government to represent to your lordship that it has been advised of the early departure from the port of Halifax of the British steamer Will-o’-the-Wisp, in ballast, for the island of Bermuda, on account of the insurgents of the United States, and under the direction of their agents now having harbor at Halifax; furthermore, that, on arriving at Bermuda, this steamer will take in ordnance and stores for the use of the insurgents, and attempt to make her way into Wilmington, all under the direction of emissaries of the insurgents at Bermuda.

It is deeply to be regretted that the efforts pertinaciously made to procrastinate this struggle in America should appear to be exclusively undertaken from the kingdom of her Majesty and its various dependencies. There is evidently an impression widely spread in the latter that all evasions of neutrality not positively flagrant may escape reprehension. I am requested, very respectfully, to suggest to your lordship that the colonial authorities at Bermuda may be apprized of this hostile proceeding, in order that, if deemed advisable, it may be arrested.

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,