Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, November 21, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit copies of two notes which have passed between Lord Russell and myself in relation to certain attempts supposed to have been made to enlist recruits for the army of the United States within this kingdom. Foreseeing the possibility of the imputation of some such act, I have, ever since my arrival here, taken great care to decline all the very numerous propositions made to me to sanction engagements for service. I was more decided in taking this course, that I early had reason to know the continuance of a feeling of soreness at the treatment of Sir John Crampton in America for acts of the same kind during the Russian war. It was, therefore, very easy to reply with confidence to his lordship’s remonstrance. I have not yet been informed of the grounds upon which this was made; but from other sources rumors have reached me of efforts making by irresponsible individuals to send off persons as passengers to the United States, trusting to the security of the bounty paid on enlistments. It is possible that they may have constituted the basis of the remonstrance.

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