Mr. Hunter to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I am directed to call your attention to the fact that, pursuant to unofficial intelligence which has reached here, the insurgent ram Stonewall was recently anchored near the port of Nassau, after having captured at least one vessel of the United States on her way from Europe. According to another report, an United States schooner which had been captured by insurgents in Chesapeake bay had reached another British island, and, though her restitution was asked for by the United States consul there, the request was refused by the authorities.
Assuming this information to be correct, the President of the United States is of the opinion that the time has now arrived when this government must expect those foreign powers which have hitherto recognized the piratical cruisers of the insurgents as entitled to belligerent rights in their ports and on the high seas to withdraw that recognition, and no longer to extend countenance and protection to those plunderers and burners of vessels of the United States. He hopes, also, that you may be authorized, and may deem yourself warranted by your knowledge of the present condition of affairs in this country, to instruct or request those officers of her Majesty’s colonial possessions adjacent to the United States to refuse to receive vessels flying the flag of the insurgents.
I am instructed to add, however, that while disclaiming all intention of offering any threat, if it should not be competent for you to adopt the measures referred to, and those authorities should continue to welcome and grant hospitality to the vessels of the insurgents, or should not at once be checked in that course by the authorities at home, this government will deem itself warranted and compelled, with all reasonable courtesies, to adopt any course by which those vessels may be prevented from continuing their piratical ravages upon the commerce of the United States.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.