Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered 672, 673, 674, 675; also a copy of the 12th volume of the Revised Statutes.
In regard to the subject of the first of these, No. 672, of the 7th instant, the consul at Queenstown reported to this legation that the Florida was off that harbor. On the 17th three persons, named S. W. Averott, F. Gamerton, and T. T. Hinton, being officers, landed, with what motive is not quite clear. Meanwhile, the steamer Eagle brought the bar-silver to Liverpool on the 20th instant.
I have had a visit from a member of the English house of F. Huth & Co. to inform me that they are the true consignees and owners of this property, which has been fully insured in London. They, in conjunction with the underwriters, had taken advice with regard to the possibility of recovering it, and the answer has been favorable, but they had been recommended to apply for my assistance and co-operation. I replied, that any service I, or any of the officers of the government, could render to them in the case would be at their disposal, but that in my belief their only chance of success would come through the character of British subjects. My experience has taught me the inefficacy of all agencies to work results in favor of American claims through the courts here in these cases. The gentlemen said they did not wish to make a political question of it, and would only ask me to place them in communication with my sources of information, in order the better to understand the facts. I directed the secretary, Mr. Wilson, to give him a note of introduction to Mr. Eastman, which was done, and he took his leave.
[Page 405]Some account of this transfer has got into the newspapers, with a pretence that the intention of the pirates is to restore the plunder to the right owners. As the underwriters in London have heretofore been such liberal patrons of the illicit trade carried on for the benefit of these parties, they may possibly indulge in the hope of some sign of reciprocation on the present occasion, which I fear will turn out but a pleasing delusion.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.