Tenterden to Hoppin, April 28, 1880

Lord Tenterden to Mr. Hoppin.

Sir: I transmitted to the lords commissioners of Her Majesty’s treasury, by whom it was in turn referred to the commissioners of Her Majesty’s customs, your letter of the 21st instant, complaining of the proceedings of the authorities of the latter department in connection with the United States ship Constellation, conveying supplies contributed by citizens of the United States for the relief of the destitute people of Ireland.

I have now the honor to acquaint you that a communication has been received in reply, from which it would appear that on the arrival of the Constellation at Queenstown, the circumstance of a vessel of war arriving with cargo not merchandise on board being most unusual the superior customs official at that port took action most ill advisedly under the provisions of the fifty-second section of the customs consolidated act, 1876, of which a copy is herewith transmitted, and, in accordance with the act in question, placed custom-house officers on board the frigate. The matter was, however, promptly brought to the notice of the collector of customs at Cork, who immediately by telegraph directed their withdrawal.

The latter reports that he waited upon the commander of the Constellation as soon as he was able to do so, and that Captain Potter accepted his apologies and the expression of his regret at the mere supposition of an international disrespect for the American flag.

I have to request that you will be good enough to convey to your government the expression of the sincere regret of Her Majesty’s Government at this occurrence, which is to be entirely attributed to the mistaken sense of his duties on the part of the customs officer of Queenstown, whose proceedings in the matter have been strongly disapproved.

I have, &c.