Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 357.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
March 27, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit copies of two
notes, dated the 21st and 23d of this month, which have passed between
Lord Russell and myself, respecting
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certain operations of the rebels in fitting out an
armed vessel at Glasgow. It is proper to mention that the investigation
appears to have been initiated by his lordship upon information not
furnished from this legation, and that his communication to me was
perfectly spontaneous.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.
Foreign Office,
March 21,
1863.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you, with
reference to the report that vessels-of-war were being built at
Glasgow for the so-styled Confederate States, that it appears from
information collected by the commissioners of customs that there are
only two large steamers in course of construction at the yard of
Messrs. Thompson & Company; that one of them has the appearance
of being constructed to receive armor plates; but that her bottom is
not more than half plated, and that the planking of her top sides
has only just been commenced.
The other is a screw steamer, intended for Messrs. Burns, of Glasgow,
and is to be employed in the Mediterranean trade. Neither of these
steamers, however, can be completed for several months.
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 Lord Russell.
Legation of the United
States,
London,
March 23, 1863.
My Lord: I had the honor to receive your
lordship’s note of the 21st instant, apprising me of the
preparations making in the yard of Messrs. Thompson & Co. of a
vessel evidently constructed for hostile purposes. Information of
the same nature received from other sources has led me to a belief
that this is one of a number intended to carry on the piratical
species of warfare practiced by the insurgents against the commerce
of the United States, in accordance with the plans laid down in the
intercepted correspondence which I had the honor some time since to
lay before you. It is a source of much gratification to me to learn
that this proceeding is exciting the attention of her Majesty’s
government.
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.
