John Russell, 1st Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, December 16, 1864

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of War of the, United States, by the officer holding the chief command in the military department embracing the northern frontier of the United States, respecting the organization of a party of persons in Canada, apparently with a view of hostile operations against the territory of the United States.

I have to state to you, in reply, that the attention of her Majesty’s government is very seriously directed to the means of preventing such inroads on the territory of the United States-as that which is commonly known by the name of the St. Albans raid.

If it should appear that the persons concerned in such inroads are for any reason not subject to extradition, they and others must in some way be effectually prevented from committing similar offences against a neighboring state.

But I need scarcely point out to you that any invasion of the Canada territory from the United States would excite hostile feelings in Canada against the people of the United States, and might prove extremely injurious to the pacific relations between the two countries.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,