William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, June 23, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I send you a copy of a report made by Lieutenant Charles McDougal, of the United States navy, dated April 13, 1862, showing that, in pursuance of orders from the British admiralty, he had been required to remove the United States ship-of-war Saginaw from the colony of Hong Kong, in China, and its dependencies. The interests of American commerce in the east require the presence of American vessels there, and with it the enjoyment of all the rights of maritime powers. No British interest can be injuriously affected by the presence of such vessels. But, on the other hand, their presence is beneficial to the interests of all the western powers. You will please make the fact communicated by Lieutenant McDougal known to Earl Russell, as a pregnant illustration of the unnecessary and injurious operations of the attitude held by the British government in regard to the insurrection existing in the United States. We shall no further urge a change of that attitude, having exhausted the argument. But it will occur to every one that the American people are not likely to be always satisfied with performing: treaty stipulations without reciprocity.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,