Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, February 27, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I now transmit the copy of a note addressed to me by Lord Russell, in answer to mine of the 19th instant, a copy of which was forwarded last week with my despatch (No. 328) of the same date. I believe this is the first instance of a censure by the government here of any act done by its subordinates during the present struggle. In the mean time, however, the Gladiator is announced as just arrived at Liverpool with half a million of the money.

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

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: You are quite right in having understood me to say that orders had been given through Lord Lyons intended to anticipate the possibility of any shipments of specie, such as you spoke of in your letter of the 19th instant.

Notwithstanding Lord Lyons’s precautions, however, I received on the 14th instant an account of the shipment of money in her Majesty’s ship Vesuvius, by Mr. Acting Consul Magee. The money was said to be sent for the purpose of furnishing payment of interest, due in London, on bonds of the State of Alabama.

I, however, thought it necessary at once, and on the same day, to dismiss Mr. Magee from her Majesty’s service.

Orders have been given also to the admiralty to forbid any similar shipment from confederate ports.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,