Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 287.]
Legation of the United States,
London
January 1, 1863,
Sir: Learning from the consul at Liverpool that
the person reported as the purchaser of the Sumter is a man well known
in that place as the agent of Messrs. Fraser, Trenholm & Co., I
immediately addressed a note to Lord Russell on the subject, a copy of
which I have the honor to transmit.
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,
December 30, 1862.
My Lord: On the 19th of this month, I am
informed by the consul of the United States at Gibraltar, a public
sale is said to have been made of the steamer Sumter, a vessel which
had committed much depredation upon the commerce of the United
States, and which had taken shelter in that port from pursuit by the
national ships.
Having the strongest reason, from the known character and previous
conduct of the alleged purchaser, to believe that this sale is
effected solely for the purpose of rescuing the vessel from its
present position, and of making use of her Majesty’s flag to convert
it to new purposes of hostility to the United States, I must pray
your lordship’s attention to the necessity under which I am placed
of asking the assistance of her Majesty’s government to prevent any
risk of damage to the United States from a fraudulent transaction in
one of her ports, or, in default of it, of declining to recognize
the validity of the transfer, should that vessel subsequently be
found by the armed ships of the United States sailing on the high
seas.
Renewing the assurances of my highest consideration, I have the honor
to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,
