William H. Seward to Charles F. Adams, August 17, 1861

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Among the letters found on the person of Robert Mure, mentioned in my despatch No. 63, of this date, there are many which more or less directly implicate Mr. Robert Bunch, the British consul at Charleston, as a conspirator against the government of the United States. The following is an extract from one of them:

“Mr. B., on oath of secrecy, communicated to me also that the first step to recognition was taken. He and Mr. Belligny together sent Mr. Trescot to Richmond yesterday, to ask Jeff. Davis, president, to —— the treaty of —— to —— the neutral flag covering neutral goods to be respected. This is the first step of direct treating with our government, so prepare for active business by January 1.”

You will submit this information to the British government, and request that Mr. Bunch may be removed from his office, saying that this government will grant an exequatur to any person who may be appointed to fill it, who will not pervert his functions to hostilities against the United States.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,