William H. Seward to Cassius M. Clay, October 23, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Clay

Sir: I enclose a copy of a despatch of the 29th ultimo, No. 16, from William Edwin Phelps, esq., our consul at St. Petersburg, in relation to a proposed expedient to evade the foreign enlistment act of Great Britain, and to a reported proposed sale of two steamers there for blockade-running or privateering.

I will thank you to bring these matters to the knowledge of Prince Gortchacow, and to request him to apply the remedy, if needed.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

Mr. Phelps to Mr. Seward

Sir: I am informed by a merchant, who is largely concerned in the importation and sale of English war materials, that certain shipbuilders in England have solicited and obtained from parties in this city a number of orders for war vessels, with the intention of using them [the orders] as proof of [pretended legitimate] destination, in case the British government should enforce the foreign enlistment act against the steamers now building for the confederate service. I suppose that you are constantly informed of everything ordered in England for his imperial Majesty’s government, and as no one else can make use of a war vessel, the fraud can be easily detected.

I have also heard a rumor that two more steamers are about to be sold here for blockade-running or privateering, but as yet I have not been able to trace it to any reliable source.

With sentiments of high respect, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,