Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, September 16, 1864

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit the copy of a note addressed by me to Lord Russell, occasioned by the escape of three deserters from the United States -steamer Iroquois, in the manner explained by the accompanying papers.

From the absence of all treaty stipulations upon the subject, it is very clear that no claim of restitution can be made in these cases. In default of the exercise of international comity on such occasions, it is plain that a neglect to practice it on one side must lead to the same disposition on the other. The matter has heretofore been brought forward so fully by some of my predecessors, in the proposals made here to negotiate a treaty on kindred questions, and has met with so. little success, that I have little hope of arriving at a good understanding in regard to it.

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