Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, January 1, 1864

Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.

In obedience to the directions contained in your despatch (No. 782) of
the 7th of December, I addressed a note to Lord Russell, on the 29th
ultimo, in relation to the conduct of Ralph Cator. Copies of that note
and of his lordship’s acknowledgment are herewith transmitted.

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

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I am directed by my government to
represent to you that information entitled to credit has been
received by it to the effect that an officer in her Majesty’s naval
service, either relieved or active, by the name of Ralph Cator, is
engaged in violating the blockade of the insurgent ports of the
United States, under the assumed name of Peterson. I am further
instructed to express the belief that other British naval officers
are thus engaged.

In view of this information, corroborated by the late proceedings at
Sheerness, I am reluctantly compelled to believe that there is a
strong disposition on the part of a portion of her Majesty’s navy to
violate the neutrality of their sovereign in aiding and assisting
the enemies of the United States in the resistance they are making
to the lawful government. I am requested to solicit your lordship’s attention to the
expediency of making inquiry in regard to the alleged proceedings of
the person above named, not doubting that should he prove to be
guilty, her Majesty’s government will visit the offence he has
committed with its displeasure.

I beg to renew the assurances of the highest consideration with which
I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 29th instant, relative to a British
naval officer of the name of Ralph Cator, who is stated to be
engaged, with others, in violating the blockade of the southern
ports of North America, and I have to acquaint you, in reply, that I
have caused your letter to be communicated to the proper department
of her Majesty’s government.

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