Office of the Historian

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 244.]
Legation of the United States, London, October 23, 1862.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered 362 and 363; likewise a printed circular, No. 24, of the 25th of September, respecting the renewal of passports. This leaves two despatches, Nos. 360 and 361, yet unaccounted for.

I now transmit a copy of Lord Russell’s note to me of the 16th instant, in reply to mine of the 9th, a copy of which was forwarded with my despatch No. 238, of the 10th of October. The attitude of indifference to the consequences of their own inaction under the provisions of the enlistment law is continued, and will probably remain to the last. In the meantime the vessel which was suffered to escape is continuing its piratical voyages on the ocean. Mr. Dudley will send you further particulars received by the captain of the ship Emily Farnum, who has arrived at Liverpool. I know not what has become of the [Page 223] Tuscarora. The probabilities are that the next attack will be made on the California steamers.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Untitled]

Foreign Office, October 16, 1862.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, enclosing a copy of an intercepted letter which you had received from the United States government, being the further evidence with regard to the gunboat No. 290, to which you alluded in your previous communication to me of the 30th ultimo, and with reference to your observations with regard to the infringement of the enlistment law, I have to remark that it is true the foreign enlistment act, or any other act for the same purpose, can be evaded by very subtle contrivances; but her Majesty’s government cannot, on that account, go beyond the letter of the existing law.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

RUSSELL.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.