Right Hon. Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, March 19, 1864

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: With reference to my note of the 10th instant, I have the honor to inform you that her Majesty’s government have called upon Mr. Butterfield, the British vice-consul at Key West, to furnish a full report with regard to his proceedings in the case of Mr. E. T. Rich, which formed the subject of your letter of the 8th instant. With respect, however, to the proceedings of Mr. Butterfield in the case of Mr. Ring, also alluded to in your above-mentioned letter, I have the honor to inform you that Lord Lyons has been instructed to state to Mr. Seward, with whom he has been in communication on the subject, that, after careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case, her Majesty’s government are of opinion that Mr. Butterfield’s conduct in this matter has been proper, and has not, in any respect, merited animadversion.

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