Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, July 25, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Since the date of my despatch (No. 187) of the 11th of July, I have to report that I received from Mr. Collier so decided an opinion in regard to the illegality of the proceedings at Liverpool, that I directed Mr. Dudley to proceed with the utmost vigor in the preparation of the necessary depositions to place before the collector of customs at Liverpool. I authorized him to act under professional advice, so that no mere omission of form could be made to avail against us. No time has been lost in getting up the papers and in submitting them in the proper quarter. For two days Mr. Dudley and his adviser, Mr. Squarry, have been in constant communication with me here, and all the measures taken by them have been sanctioned by me. I am sorry to say that although the second opinion of Mr. Collier, based upon the depositions themselves, is so unequivocal, I have reason to believe that they are not likely to be more effective to secure the detention of the ship by the collector than any former action.

Not to omit any step that could be imagined likely to avail, I have transmitted copies of all the papers to Lord Russell, with a request for action on the subject in his department. I now send copies of the same, with the exception of the affidavits, which Mr. Dudley will probably send, for your consideration. As yet I have no answer from Lord Russell. I am not sanguine of success, but it seems to me that the action taken is essential to complete the record. I have authorized Mr. Dudley and Mr. Morse to incur some liabilities in the process, which I hope will not be regarded as ill-judged. The Tuscarora has not yet left Southampton. I shall give Captain Craven directions to intercept the vessel, if possible, should she be permitted to depart.

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