Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Hunter
Sir: As I observe that a large quantity of cotton was found in Mobile at the time of its capture, of which I have reason to believe a portion belongs to British subjects, I have the honor to bring the subject under your notice, in connexion with the correspondence which has passed between the Department of State and this legation respecting cotton found in Savannah and Charleston.
[Page 140]It would appear that there is no danger of the recapture of Mobile, the so-called Confederate States having no longer any army in the field in that district.
The most urgent motive for the transport of the cotton thus disappears, and I therefore venture to hope that the claims of neutrals to cotton and other property may be taken into consideration and determined on the spot, so that the difficulty of ascertaining the ownership, and the delay occasioned by its removal to another port, may be avoided.
I may observe, further, that in all probability cotton purchased before the war may have been left there, for, owing to the blockade having been declared as soon as hostilities broke out, no opportunity was afforded of taking it away; and in estimating the neutrality of residents, this circumstance ought to have been taken into consideration.
The residents had no time allowed them to realize their property and take it out of the country, although the usages of modern war, and even the provisions of treaties, usually grant a sufficient term for the purpose to merchants who are resident in a state with which their country is involved in hostilities.
They were thus compelled to remain or to abandon their property.
It will not be amiss to point out, for the equitable consideration of the government of the United States, that the great majority of British residents in these cities are men of small means, living by a small retail trade.
Unable to leave, they were compelled by necessity to seek a livelihood by carrying on any trade open to them; and in the course of it, invested their gains in small parcels of cotton, brought to market by the neighboring country people, as the only safe investment amid the uncertainties to which the value of confederate currency was exposed.
It appears to me that it would be a very harsh proceeding to consider a trade of such a nature as inconsistent with a position of bona fide neutrality.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William Hunter, Esq., &c., &c., &c.