Russell to Charles Francis Adams, November 27, 1863

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Her Majesty’s government have duly considered, in communication with the proper law advisers of the crown, your letter of the 30th instant and its enclosures, respecting an alleged project for the establishment of a depot at St. George’s, Bermuda, from which articles might be shipped to the ports of the so-styled Confederate States.

I have now the honor to state to you that it appears from the contract for this service, between Messrs. Gluseling & Co. and Mr. J. de Bree, of which a copy is enclosed in your letter, that the parties to it are not British subjects, but Americans, over whom her Majesty’s government have no authority or control; while the schedules referred to in it, not being annexed, the character of the stores which these persons contract for is not shown. These stores may or may not be of a contraband character, and even if they are, the terms of the contract seem only to contemplate the use of ordinary mercantile agency.

Moreover, the terms of the contract do not necessarily import the establishment of any depot in Bermuda, but rather point to transshipment in the port of Bermuda of naval stores from vessels arriving there from foreign ports; nor is this transshipment rendered necessary or obligatory by the contract, but is left optional or contingent, the words of the contract being, “If at any time the said party of the second part shall so direct any part or the whole of deliveries, under said schedules A, B, C, D, and E, or any other hereafter sent, shall be made at the port of St. George’s, Bermuda.”

Under these circumstances, her Majesty’s government do not consider that they can properly interfere in this matter; but should you be furnished with any further information tending to show any intention on the part of any persons to violate the neutrality of British territory, they will not fail to give to your representations their most careful attention.

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