William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, December 9, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

Sir: I have received from the consulate at Liverpool the despatch of the 18th ultimo, a copy of which I enclose, relating to alleged enlistments of men in England for our military service, and informing me of the circumstances of the detention of the Great Western at that port. I will thank you to apply to Mr. Wilding for copies of the newspaper slips from the Liverpool Journal of Commerce of the 16th ultimo, the Liverpool Daily Courier of the 17th ultimo, the Liverpool Daily Post of the 18th ultimo, and the Liverpool Daily Mercury of the same date, which accompanied his despatch.

Although it seems hardly necessary, I repeat to you what I have written on former occasions, that this government has no knowledge of any design on the part of agents or of officers in its employment, or on the part of other persons, to enlist recruits for the military or naval service of the United States within the jurisdiction of her Britannic Majesty, or in any other foreign state, in contravention of laws prohibiting such enlistment, and that it would disapprove of any such proceedings.

If any person acting without authority in this instance, or in any other, has violated the laws of Great Britain on this subject, he will be left to their penalties. On the other hand, if any undue interference with citizens of the United States shall have occurred prejudicial to their legal rights and interests, you will be pleased to make such protests and reclamations on their behalf as may, in your judgment, be warranted by the facts of the case. .

I am, sir, your obedient servant,