John Russell, 1st Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, May 30, 1865

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams

Sir; I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterday, communicating, for the information of her Majesty’s government, a printed copy of a proclamation issued by the President of the United States, at Washington, on the 10th instant, regarding insurgent cruisers.

I observe it stated in this proclamation that “armed resistance to the authority of this government in the said insurrectionary States may be regarded as virtually at an end. The persons by whom that resistance, as well as the operations of insurgent cruisers, were directed, are fugitives or captives.”

Her Majesty’s government will deem it their duty to communicate immediately with the government of France, in order to concert measures whereby the insurgent cruisers shall no longer continue to receive hospitality in the ports of Great Britain and France.

Her Majesty’s government will subsequently communicate to the same purpose and effect with other maritime nations who, like the British government, have pursued a course of neutrality during the late civil war.

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