Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 210.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
August 22, 1862.
Sir: In obedience to instructions contained in
your despatch No. 312, I have addressed a note to Earl Russell, a copy
of which is herewith transmitted, giving the assent of the government to
the propositions made by him for better securing the proper execution of
the late treaty in suppression of the slave trade.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
Legation of the United
States,
London,
August 22, 1862.
My Lord: I have the honor to inform your
lordship that I have now received instructions from the government
of the United States to reply to the note received by me from you on
the 17th of July, making certain propositions connected with the
execution of the sixth and seventh articles of the late treaty for
the further suppression of the slave trade.
I am directed to say that, in accordance with your lordship’s
suggestion-, made in that note, the government will issue passports
or safe conducts in; the cases specified of vessels of the United
States legally employed on the African coast, which will, until
further notice, be signed only by the Secretary of State of the
United States. Instructions proper for executing this-new
arrangement, so far as British vessels are concerned, will likewise
be;
[Page 182]
immediately given to
regulate the action of naval commanders of the United States
accordingly.
I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest
consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most
obedient servant,
Right Hon. Earl Russell,
&c., &c., &c.
