Mr. Hunter to Mr. Adams
Sir: The recent announcement of the arrival of the insurgent ram Stonewall at Nassau, where it is reported she had been allowed to coal, and the possibility that she might proceed thence to some point on our coast, has naturally excited some uneasiness here. Actuated, in part, at least, by this feeling, the President has directed me to address to Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce the note upon the subject dated the 13th instant, a copy of which is enclosed.* Earl Russell will undoubtedly receive a copy from him. The subject, however, is deemed important enough for you to seek an interview in regard to it with the secretary of state for foreign affairs, is, as if possible, belligerent rights should not have been withdrawn from the insurgents before this instruction shall reach you. If, contrary to all reasonable expectation, those rights should still be continued to them, you will urgently and gravely remonstrate against this. You will add that this government, in view of the change of circumstances which has occurred, must be no longer expected to respect those rights on land or at sea; on the contrary, it must be expected henceforth to do whatever shall be necessary for the restoration of our national commerce, and its safe and competent protection. If collisions shall occur in doing this, we shall, in view of the changed condition of affairs in this country, to which I have already alluded, and of the ample and generous notice to the world in the proclamation of the President, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, deem ourselves to be morally justified and to be absolved from any consequences which might ensue from such a step.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- See correspondence with British legation, current series.↩