Right. Hon. Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, February 18, 1865

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams

Sir: With reference to the assertions that have been made, that the steamer Scylla or Rappahannock was towed by a government tug out of Sheerness harbor, on the 24th of November, 1863, I have the honor to state to you that I have received from the lords commissioners of the admiralty a copy of a report accompanied by a minute of proceedings of a court of inquiry, held by their lordships’ order at Sheerness, to investigate the truth of these assertions, and that it results from that inquiry that the members of the court were perfectly satisfied that no government tug, or vessel of any description belonging to her Majesty, assisted or accompanied the Scylla or Rappahannock, on the occasion of her leaving Sheerness harbor on the night in question.

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