Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, July 10, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In connexion with your despatch of the 17th of June, (No. 629,) relating to armed vessels fitted out from here, I have the honor to transmit the copy of a letter received from Commodore Thatcher, of the Constellation, reporting certain anticipated movements of the steamer Southerner, now preparing to depart from. Liverpool. Copies of the correspondence between Lord Russell and myself respecting that vessel, excepting the final reply of his lordship, received on the 3d of July, and enclosed herewith, have been already laid before you. There never has been any idea in my mind that she could be, technically speaking, denominated a war vessel. But there is no reason why she could not be as well employed in depredating on the unarmed mercantile navy, as the Japan, the Lapwing, the Tacony or any other of the ships that could mount a few guns to be so used. I must be permitted to express the belief that the time has arrived when the security of our commerce in Europe depends on the presence of some war steamers of a higher class than have ever yet appeared since the war began.

The Sumter has sailed at last, heavily laden with cannon and stores. It appears that the British government attempted, at first, to stop her, but desisted on the assurance that the heavy guns were only sent as freight. No answer whatever has been given to my representations of the law touching this case. The government which never acknowledges the right of transfer of an armed belligerent vessel to a neutral, when itself a party in, the war, has quietly permitted the act to be done in her own ports, when herself a neutral. Of course she cannot venture to go further and reclaim her should she be captured anywhere on the ocean.

But I regret to say that the gravest case of all is now requiring your attention. One of the iron-clad war vessels which have been for so long a time in process of construction at Mr. Laird’s yard, in Liverpool, has at last been launched, and is to be seen at that place. I shall not enlarge upon her character, as you will doubtless receive full details from another source. Of one thing there can be no doubt, she is a very formidable war ship. Neither do I question the purpose for which she is designed. Mr. Dudley has already furnished me with some testimony; which I propose to lay before her Majesty’s government as a basis for solemn remonstrance, so soon as the necessary copies shall have been made out. The better opinion is, that it will take several weeks to prepare her for departure. In the meanwhile it will be well for the government to make as much use of the warning as possible, in order not to be taken unawares. So far as the matter depends upon me, I shall endeavor, as fully as I can, to carry out the spirit of my instructions.

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