Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, January 5, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: I revert to the now almost forgotten case
of the Emily St. Pierre, whose captain and crew overpowered the prize
crew on her deck when on her way to port for adjudication, and carried
her into a British port in violation, as we think, of the law of nations. In answer to our claim
for restitution, Earl Russell said, in substance, that relief could only
be obtained through judicial process. The establishment of the principle
applicable in such cases is desirable for the interest of both
countries. With a view to this point you will submit to Earl Russell the
statements contained in the annexed extract from a despatch which has
recently been received from the United States minister at the Hague.
From these statements it would appear that the British government in the
Crimean war demanded the restitution of a vessel in circumstances
similar to those which belong to the case of the Emily St. Pierre.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,