Mr. Hunter to Mr. Adams
Sir: Your despatch of the 13th instant, No. 1011, relating to the incidents connected with the case of the Rappahannock, has been received.
Instruction No. 1485, of the 25th instant, expresses a hope which you have well anticipated in your proceedings thus far in regard to this vessel and others of its class. The nature and extent of the judicial steps which may be necessary to secure their delivery to the authorities of the United States are left to your discretion to determine upon, and due provision will be made for the payment of such expenses as may be thus incurred; but I cannot forbear from remarking, that a course on the part of her Majesty’s government similar to that pursued by Spain in surrendering the Stonewall, while it would show only a just consideration for the rights of the United States, and would relieve you of the labor of superintending the details of judicial proceedings, would unquestionably exert a happy effect upon the relations between the two countries; I would therefore suggest that you address to Earl Russell a communication with that object in such terms as your judgment may dictate.
I enclose for your information a copy of the correspondence relating to the surrender of the Stonewall.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[For enclosures see correspondence with the Spanish legation, current series.]