John Appleton to Wm. H. Seward, May 11, 1861

Mr. Appleton to Mr. Seward.

Sir: The circular of the department dated April 20, 1861, indorsing the President’s proclamation on the subject of blockades and privateering, has been received. I have written to our consuls at the different ports of Russia, calling their special attention to the subject, and enjoining upon them the utmost vigilance to prevent the fitting out of privateers within their respective consulates. At Sebastopol, where we have no consul, I have written to Colonel Gowen, an American citizen, to the same effect, and have asked him to transmit to this legation any information which may come to his knowledge on this subject, concerning either ships or persons.

I have also received the circular of the department dated April 27, transmitting, for my information, a copy of the President’s proclamation of that date directing a blockade of the ports of Virginia and North Carolina, in addition to that of the ports of the States mentioned in the proclamation of the 19th instant.

I have the honor to be, &c.,