Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, November 21, 1862

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States, has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a note from the right honorable Earl Russell, her Britannic Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, dated the 20th instant, acquainting him that her Majesty’s government are informed by persons to whom they are disposed to give credit, that recruits are being raised in this country for service in the army of the United States, and that bounty money of a considerable amount is offered by agents of the United States to encourage such enlistment. His lordship is further pleased to warn the undersigned of the fact that such acts are contrary to British law, and are calculated seriously to increase the difficulties already incident to the observance of neutrality by her Majesty’s government.

The undersigned flatters himself that the earnestness of his previous and long-continued urgency on her Majesty’s government to enforce the strict observance of neutrality in the ports of this kingdom in many cases of attempted violation. of it on behalf of rebels against the authority of the United States, to which it has been his painful duty to call their attention, must have secured him from the suspicion of any disposition himself to give the smallest countenance to any enterprise or effort of a similar kind on behalf of the United States.

The undersigned not only has no knowledge of any such proceedings, but he has no belief that they can have been attempted by any persons really vested with authority as agents of the United States. Should it turn out that there are individuals assuming to act under such an authority, the undersigned will be obliged to Lord Russell for such information as he may possess that may enable him to ascertain who these persons may be, and to take the necessary measures to disavow their operations.

The undersigned requests Earl Russell to receive the assurances of his highest consideration.