Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I revert to the now almost forgotten case of the Emily St. Pierre, whose captain and crew overpowered the prize crew on her deck when on her way to port for adjudication, and carried her into a British port in violation, as we think, of [Page 55] the law of nations. In answer to our claim for restitution, Earl Russell said, in substance, that relief could only be obtained through judicial process. The establishment of the principle applicable in such cases is desirable for the interest of both countries. With a view to this point you will submit to Earl Russell the statements contained in the annexed extract from a despatch which has recently been received from the United States minister at the Hague. From these statements it would appear that the British government in the Crimean war demanded the restitution of a vessel in circumstances similar to those which belong to the case of the Emily St. Pierre.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.