Right Hon. Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, July 3, 1863

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I had the honor on the 12th of June to communicate to you the result of the inquiries which had up to that time been instituted by her Majesty’s government with reference to the statements respecting the vessel “Southerner,” contained in your letter of the 3d of that month. I, however, added that attention should nevertheless continue to be paid to that vessel, with the view of guarding, as far as possible, against her being equipped in this country, in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the foreign enlistment act.

I have now to inform you, in fulfilment of that assurance, that her Majesty’s government considered it desirable to request the board of admiralty to associate with the custom-house surveyor at Liverpool an officer well acquainted with the build and equipment of vessels-of-war, with instructions to survey the “Southerner,” and to report the result to her Majesty’s government.

That officer’s report has now been received, and I have the honor to acquaint you that the “Southerner” is an ordinary built, iron screw, steam passenger, and cargo vessel of 1,569 tons, fitted with engines of 300 horse-power; that she is also fitted with top-gallant, forecastle, and poop-deck, with deck-house continuous fore and aft with the same, in the same manner as the Inman line of screw boats sailing between Liverpool and New York; that she is fitted up aft under the poop-deck, with cabin accommodation for about 66 saloon passengers; the forecastle for the crew, and deck-houses for the ship’s officers; that her holds are appropriated for the reception of cargo, and that she is fitted with steam winches for working the same.

The admiralty surveyor further reports that he finds upon examination that her top sides are of iron plates three-eighths of an inch thick, and are in no way fitted or secured for the working of guns, and that she has two gangways fitted one on each side amidships for the purpose of working her cargo.

The surveyor, in conclusion, says that upon fully examining the “Southerner” he cannot find anything with regard to construction or fittings that would leave him to suppose that she was intended for belligerent purposes.

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