Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 570.]
Legation of the United
States, London,
January 8, 1864.
Sir: I have now to report the reception of
another note from Lord Russell in relation to the case of Ralph Cator,
already acted upon, as mentioned by me in my despatch (No. 566) of last
week.
A copy of his lordship’s note is transmitted.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.
Foreign Office,
January 6, 1864.
Sir: With reference to my letter of the
30th ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that I have received
from the board of admiralty a letter stating that in all cases in
which they have received applications from officers on half pay for
leave to proceed to the West Indies, the board have refused such
leave whenever there has been any suspicion that the officer
intended to sail in any ship engaged in running the blockade of the
southern ports.
The admiralty further state, that on the 25th of May last leave to go
to Jamaica, on family affairs, for six months, was granted to
Commander Ralph P. Cator, and that within the time specified he
reported his return to this country. Commander Cator, whilst on
leave, was on the half-pay list of his rank. The board add, that if
it should be made clear to them that Commander Cator has been
employed, as alleged by you, the indulgence of leave will be in
future refused to him.
As regards your statement that you believe that other British naval
officers are engaged in violating the blockade, the lords of the
admiralty observe that they have not received any information which
leads them to believe that any other officers of her Majesty’s navy,
either on the active or reserved lists, are so engaged.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your
most obedient, humble servant,
C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
