Right Hon. Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, May 8, 1863

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: It is not necessary or desirable to prolong the controversy with regard to the steamer Gibraltar, otherwise Sumter. I shall, therefore, merely observe, with reference to the letter which you did me the honor to address to me on the 23d ultimo, that I have not stated any intention on the part of her Majesty’s government to deviate in this case from any acknowledged principles of international law, or from the exposition of those principles, hitherto given in courts administering that law. On the contrary, it is the firm intention of her Majesty’s government, both in the case of the Sumter and in every other case, to abide by those principles, which they have hitherto most scrupulously maintained during the whole course of the present war.

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