Hoppin to the Marquis of Salisbury, April 21, 1880

Mr. Hoppin to the Marquis of Salisbury.

My Lord: I have the honor to acquaint you that the frigate Constellation, a duly commissioned ship of war of the United States, which has been directed by my government to convey a portion of the supplies contributed by the citizens of the United States for the relief of the destitute people of Ireland, has just arrived at Queenstown. I am informed by a telegram addressed by Mr. E. P. Brooks, the consul of the United States at Cork, to the consul-general of the United States in London, that certain officers of Her Majesty’s customs have been placed on board of the Constellation by the receiver of customs at Queenstown, and that the frigate is treated like an ordinary merchant vessel.

It is further stated that Captain Potter, in command of the Constellation, protested against this proceeding and has also complained of it to the admiral of the station. I am also informed that, at the request of the United States consul, the customs officers left the frigate yesterday, but that they afterwards returned, and were, at the date of his telegram, still on board of her.

I cannot but hope that some satisfactory explanation may be made of these proceedings, and in the meantime I have the honor to request that an order may be issued by the proper authorities directing the customs officers to leave the frigate.

I have, &c.,