Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, April 24, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Since the date of my last, despatches from the department, numbered from 218 to 226, both inclusive, have been received. I do not perceive that they call for particular comment, as in some cases the directions given have been anticipated, and in others the topics have already been in a measure exhausted.

The most important event that has happened here, as connected with this legation, has been the notice received from Mr. Dudley, the consul at Liverpool, of the arrival of the ship Emily St. Pierre, on Monday, the 21st instant, at that port, instead of Philadelphia, to which she had been ordered by Captain Goldsborough for attempting to break the blockade, and the application made by the crew to him for aid, they having been mastered by the captain and two hands left on board whilst on the voyage. Mr. Dudley sent at once to this legation for instructions how to act. I directed him to take the depositions of the men, and send them to me, together with all the papers in their hands connected with the case. These did not fully reach me until this morning. After a full consideration of the substance of them, I considered the matter so clear as to justify me in proceeding at once to present a claim on her Majesty’s government for the restoration of the ship. I have therefore addressed a note this morning to Lord Russell, recapitulating the facts of the case, and assuming the law without the necessity of argument. I have the honor to transmit a copy herewith.

The probability is, that this ship has been placed under a British register by the firm of Fraser, Trenholm & Co., of Liverpool, for the purpose of covering the property which they hold in common with persons in South Carolina. Some time in the month of July last I received from Mr. Wilding information of the transfer under British protection of a number of vessels, of which this was one. They have been since employed, more or less actively, in carrying supplies to the rebels by evasions of the blockade. I have so little confidence in the efficacy of any reclamation that I may make, that I will not predict what the issue in this case will be. But it seems to me to form an important part of the record which will remain to show the disposition of this country towards the United States during their day of trial.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,