Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 712.]

Sir: In regard to the observations contained in your despatch No. 958, upon the substance of my No. 679, relating to the steamer Japan, alias the Georgia, I need only remark that the next steamer must have brought to you, with my despatch No. 687, a copy of the note I addressed to Lord Russell on that subject. I trust it may have answered the purpose you desired to see accomplished.

Since that time a sale of the Georgia is reported to have been effected in Liverpool. I thought the occasion a suitable one to enter a protest against the validity of the transfer. A copy of my note to Lord Russell of the 7th instant on that subject is herewith transmitted, together with one of his reply.

His lordship is evidently so much absorbed in the vortex of the conference that he has little inclination to enter into other questions just now. To him the sale of that vessel was undoubtedly a great relief. It kept before him the worst question of them all.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c, &c.

[Enclosures.]

1. Mr. Adams to Lord Russell, June 7, 1864.

2. Lord Russell to Mr. Adams, June 8, 1864.

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: I have received from the consul of the United States at Liverpool information which leads me to believe that a transfer, purporting to be a sale, has been made of the steamer heretofore known as the Japan, alias the Georgia, by the insurgents or their agents at that port.

In such a contingency, I must pray your lordship’s pardon if I take the [Page 101] liberty to renew, in this case, the observations which I had the honor to submit in my note of the 14th of March of last year, on the case of the steamer Sumter, alias the Gibraltar. On behalf of my government, I feel it my duty, in consonance with the practice heretofore adopted by Great Britain, to decline to recognize the validity of the sale of this armed vessel, heretofore engaged in carrying on war against the people of the United States, in a neutral port, and to claim the right of seizing it wherever it may be found on the high seas.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Right Hon. Earl Russell, &c, &c, &c.

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date, relative to the sale of the steamer Georgia at Liverpool.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

RUSSELL.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c, &c, &c.