Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, June 30, 1864

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In accordance with the directions contained in your despatch, No. 983, of the 9th instant, I addressed a note to Lord Russell, thanking the government for services rendered by her Majesty’s ship Perseus to the American bark Maryland, in Japan. I send a copy herewith.

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

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: Information has been received by the government of the United States that on the 10th of February last the American bark Maryland, in a severe storm then raging at the port of Kanawaga, in Japan, fell into imminent danger of striking one of the stone jetties, which must have ended in her complete destruction, At this crisis the prompt and eificjent labors of Augustus W. Kingston, the commander of her Britannic Majesty’s sloop-of-war Perseus, his officers and crew, had the effect to rescue that vessel and all contained in it from the impending peril.

It gives me great pleasure to become the medium through which to express to her Majesty’s government the thanks of the President for the timely and effective succor thus rendered to a distressed American vessel, in a remote portion of the globe, by these gallant men.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurance of the highest consideration with which 1 have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,