Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, December 3, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Despatches have been received at the legation from the department, numbered 756 to 761, inclusive, together with a note dated the 14th of November, relating to the discharge of Mrs. Singleton’s son, and another of the 16th, marked “private.”

I have taken the necessary measures to obtain a conference with Lord Russell on the subjects referred to in Nos. 759, 760, and 761. On reflection, I prefer to adopt this course, in the first place, rather than that by writing, more especially as another subject has arisen, having an intimate relation to the main question in agitation, and not unlikely to effect the decision to which the British government will ultimately come.

It is now more than a fortnight since I received private and confidential advices from a person at Sheerness, that one of several war steamers, which had been lately sold by the British government, was remaining at that place, refitting, under the direction of persons connected with the royal dockyards, in a manner which created in him a strong suspicion that she was intended for an illegal purpose. The communication was of a kind that I could not use in any official way; but I conferred with Mr. Morse on the subject, and with his aid procured other information, strongly confirming the idea that the vessel was intended for the rebels, though nothing of a kind positive enough to base any representation upon to the British government. It is not improbable that the parties concerned got wind of the inquiries that were making, for they suddenly determined upon pushing the vessel out of the harbor, in spite of the fact that she was by no means prepared for sea, and had no adequate force to man her; indeed, the workmen engaged in refitting here were actually carried out, and were found still busy when she was brought to at Calais, on the other side of the channel. Here the rebel flag was hoisted at once, and the vessel christened the “Rappahannock,” with the view of obtaining the recognition of the French government. A number of officers and men were also then put on board, sufficient to constitute an appearance of a crew. The trick has succeeded thus far, but the vessel is as yet entirely unfit for sea, and will need much time and contrivance to secure an equipment, manning, and armament. Had the government of the United States a sufficient naval force in European waters she could scarcely hope to escape capture, together with the tenders and the Harriet Pinckney, which are evidently relied on to complete the operation; as it is, the chances are rather in her favor.

Although entirely without any technical evidence upon which to rest a remonstrance, I considered the case so peculiar as to justify me in making a representation to the British government, merely on the strength of a statement of facts presented by Mr. Morse. I have the honor to transmit copies of my note to Lord Russell of the 28th, and of Mr. Morse’s letter to me of the same date. A copy of the reply of his lordship on the 30th accompanies them.

I have confidential information, but which I cannot use, that leads me to believe that high officers of the navy, attached to the yard at Sheerness, have been privy to this fraud. If the government is faithful to its duty of investigation, this cannot fail to appear. From the tone of the leader in Wednesday’s Times on the subject, a copy of which I transmit, I infer that some action or other against the rebel agents is contemplated.

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