William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, July 24, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: You are aware of the use which has been made of the port of Nassau by the insurgents and their friends as a deposit for vessels and merchandise for the purpose of breaking the blockade. Some of the residents there, notoriously engaged in this business, recently complained, through Mr. Stuart, the British charge d’affaires here, of certain restrictions which the Treasury Department authorized to be placed upon the transhipment of merchandise at New York from steamers from England to vessels for Nassau.

Explanations have been requested upon the subject, and I now enclose a copy of a letter of the 22d instant from the Secretary of the Treasury, and of its accompaniments, which will enable you to point out the necessity for the restrictions adverted to, should inquiry be made of you on that subject; and you may even invite that inquiry.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,