Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Information has reached this department from William H. Dabney, esq., the consul of the United States at Teneriffe, to the effect that the British steamer Laurel, reported to have sailed from Liverpool with the pirate Semmes and one hundred picked men, met by appointment the English steamer Sea King (which left London on the 7th of October last for Bombay) at the Desertas of Madeira, and there transferred to the Sea King Semmes and crew, armament, munitions, and stores, and received from the Sea King Captain Corbett and crew, who brought her to the Desertas, and who, on the 22d of the same month, were landed at Teneriffe for passage home.
Thus it would seem that the notorious commander of the Alabama has again obtained command of a British-built vessel, which has been supplied by another British vessel with men, arms, and munitions, carried out from a British port, and is now at large on the high seas for the purpose of committing depredations upon the commerce of the United States.
I will thank you to bring the case under the attention of Earl Russell, protesting against any such arrangement as that above indicated, and informing his lordship that, if it is correctly stated, this government considers that her Majesty’s government may be held justly responsible for any losses accruing to citizens of the United States through the depredations of the Sea King.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.