William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, June 7, 1865

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

Sir: It is proper that you should be informed that the Secretary of the Navy has, by direction of the President, issued orders to Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, who is about to start in the steamship Colorado, as commander of the United States squadron in European waters, to the following effect:

The admiral is charged not to enter any port, unless absolutely necessary, where belligerent privileges may be extended to the United States rebels, or where naval honors are, by governmental authority, withheld from the flag of the United States. If an emergency should compel him to enter such a port, he is to refrain from all courtesies required by the navy regulations in friendly foreign ports, unless to return salutes.

The admiral is also forbidden to exchange any of the customary courtesies with the officers of foreign governments whom he may meet, which governments extend belligerent privileges to the insurgents in this country, or deny customary naval courtesies to the United States.

It is proper that, as occasion may require, you should make this subject known to the proper persons in the country where you reside.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,