Charles Francis Adams to Right Honorable Earl Russell, February 9, 1863

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I have the honor to present to your lordship’s attention a number of papers transmitted to me by my government as faithful copies of an intercepted correspondence emanating from persons well known to be high officers of the so-called authorities now stationed in Richmond, in the insurgent portion of the United States.

These papers go to show a deliberate attempt to establish within the limits of this kingdom a system of action in direct hostility to the government of the United States. This plan embraces not only the building and fitting out of several ships of war under the direction of agents especially commissioned for the purpose, but the preparation of a series of measures under the same auspices for the obtaining from her Majesty’s subjects the pecuniary means essential to the execution of those hostile projects.

That the person named Sinclair, to whom the supervision of the construction of the vessels referred to is entrusted, has arrived in this country, is a fact made known to me. I have reason to believe that he is still here, and actually engaged in the service for which he was sent. Of the presence of Mr. Mason, I believe your lordship entertains no doubt. Of the action of Messrs. Fraser, Trenholm & Co., as agents of the same parties at Liverpool, I have already had frequent occasion to write.

Taken as a whole, these papers serve most conclusively to show that no respect whatever has been paid in her own realm by these parties to the neutrality declared by her Majesty at the outset of these hostilities; and that so far as may be in their power, they are bent on making her kingdom subservient to their purpose of conducting hostilities against a nation with which she is at peace. I trust I may be permitted to add, that if my government could have been induced in any way to initiate similar operations within the limits of this kingdom, I should have regarded it as very justly subject to the remonstrances which your lordship has been pleased to address to me on account of acts of incomparably smaller significance.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurance of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,