Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of the 5th May, No. 679, states that the pirate steamer Japan, now known as the Georgia, has returned into British waters, but that you have not yet seen your way clear to remonstrate with her Majesty’s government against her receiving British protection. It is not intended or desired to overrule your well-considered judgment in the case. But when we remember that she was built, equipped, armed, and manned by British subjects, in a British port, in violation of British laws, to make war against the United States, and that she escaped the vigilance of her Majesty’s government, it seems to us quite clear that she ought to be detained and prevented from resuming her piratical occupation. In any case, I trust that, unless you have some good reason for forbearance, not now known here, you will at least not leave her Majesty’s government free to suppose that we acquiesce in regarding her as a lawful belligerent vessel.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, &c., &c., &c.