Charles Francis Adams to The Right Honorable Earl Russell, September 3, 1861

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States, deeply regrets the painful necessity that compels him to make a representation to the right honorable Lord Russell, her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, touching the conduct of Mr. Robert Bunch, her Majesty’s consul for the port of Charleston, in the United States. It appears from the contents of one of the many letters found in the possession of Mr. Robert Mure, bearer of despatches from Mr. Bunch to the government of Great Britain, but detained as an agent of the enemies of the United States, that the following statement is made of the action of Mr. Bunch in Charleston.

“Mr. B., on oath of secrecy, communicated to me also that the first step to recognition was taken. He and Mr. Belligny together sent Mr. Trescot to Richmond yesterday to, ask Jeff. Davis, President to _______ the treaty of ______ to ______ the neutral flag covering neutral goods to be respected. This is the first step of direct treating with our government. So prepare for active business by 1st January.”

The undersigned is instructed to submit this information to her Majesty’s government with a request that, if it be found to be correct, Mr. Bunch may be at once removed from his office. The undersigned is further instructed to add that the President will cheerfully accord an exequatur to any person who maybe appointed to succeed him, who will faithfully perform his functions without injury to the rights and the interests of the United States.

The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to Lord Russell the assurances of his highest consideration.