Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 187.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
July 17, 1862.
Sir: The Tuscarora is still at Southampton. She
has been detained by the necessity for some slight repairs. Notes have
passed between Lord Russell and myself on the subject, copies of which
are hereto subjoined. The consul at Liverpool has made representations
to the collector of the customs respecting the vessel not yet named, but
undoubtedly fitting out at Liverpool to prey upon our commerce,
according to the suggestions made by Lord Russell in his note in reply
to my remonstrance. Unfortunately the consul did not affix to this paper
the legal form of evidence, which led to its rejection. In the meanwhile
I have advised him to supply the omission, and I learn that he has done
so.
I have likewise, in concert with Mr. Morse, the consul at this place,
taken measures to obtain advices as to the expediency of proceeding
against this vessel in another form, agreeably to a suggestion dropped
to me some time ago by Lord Russell in conversation. As yet I have not
learned the issue of the consultation. The deposition to be taken by Mr.
Dudley may
[Page 138]
be as necessary in
this case as in the other. I have requested duplicates to be forwarded
to me at once.
Lastly, I have supplied to Captain Craven all the information I can
obtain respecting the objects and destination of this vessel, and have
advised him to take such measures as may, in his opinion, be effective
to intercept her on her way out. He will probably leave Southampton in a
day or two.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Enclosures.]
1. Lord Russell to Mr. Adams, July 12, 1862.
2. Mr. Adams to Lord Russell, July 15, 1862.
Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.
Foreign
Office,
July12,
1862.
Sir: I have the honor to bring to your
notice that the United States screw steamer-of-war Tuscarora has
within the last few days arrived at Southampton, and that, in
answer to inquiries addressed to her commander, the authorities
at that port have been informed that she is in need of repairs,
which will occupy at least a fortnight.
Under these circumstances, I have the honor to suggest that the
proper course would be that you should apply formally for that
indulgence in favor of the Tuscarora.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your
most obedient, humble servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
Legation of the United
States,
London,
July 15,
1862.
My Lord: I pray your lordship’s pardon
if, by reason of my want of acquaintance with the proper mode of
proceeding, I have failed to take the necessary steps to solicit
for Captain Craven, of the United States steamer the Tuscarora,
permission to make some repairs required by the continued
service of this vessel since her departure from the United
States. In the conversation held with Captain Craven touching
the matter I did not understand him to have learned that the
application should come from me.
I presume that the repairs proposed are not of a nature to
require much detention. I trust, therefore, that her Majesty’s
government will be pleased to grant the privilege to the
Tuscarora so far as it may be necessary to place that vessel in
good order for service at sea.
Renewing to your lordship the assurance of my highest
consideration, I have the honor to be, my lord, your most
obedient servant,
Right Hon. Earl Russell,
&c., &c., &c.
