Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. AdamsFor Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams, 27th and 28th of December, see Appendix to correspondence with Mr. Adams, December 26, 1863

Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams

Sir: Your despatch of December 4 (No. 548) has
been received, together with the correspondence which has taken place
between Earl Russell and yourself, concerning an alleged violation of
the foreign enlistment law of Great Britain by the commander of the
United States steamship Kearsarge at Queens-town, in concert with the
United States consul at that place. Your reply to Earl Russell is
approved.

You will immediately investigate the charge against both these officers,
and will communicate the result to this department. If you find the
charge sustained against the consul, you will, without waiting farther
instruction, dismiss him from his office, and make a temporary
appointment in his place.

You will assure Earl Russell that if the charge shall be sustained
against the commander of the Kearsarge, he will be promptly relieved of
his command, and other satisfactory amends will be offered to her
Majesty’s government.

It would seem proper that you should express to Earl Russell our desire
to be furnished with such proofs as he may have, in addition to those
contained in the affidavits of which you have been furnished by him with
copies.

You will inform Earl Russell that his complaint against the commander of
the Kearsarge has been submitted to the Navy Department, and that the
Sec retary will at once call upon the commander for an answer thereto,
without awaiting the report of your investigation of the subject.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,