[Extracts.]
Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward
No. 41.]
Legation of the United States,
Paris,
March 3, 1865.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of
despatches Nos. 39 to 42, inclusive. I received yesterday from Mr.
Dudley, our consul at Liverpool, a letter informing me that that portion
of the crew of the confederate cruiser Florida which was liberated at
Boston were paid off at Liverpool on the 20th of February last, and to
each was given leave of absence till the 10th instant, when they were to
report for duty on board of the Rappahannock, at Calais. I immediately
wrote enclosure No. 1 to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, and at an interview which
I had with his excellency in the afternoon placed it in his hands. His
excellency read it, expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged conduct
of the vessel, and said it should be looked into at once. I remarked
that I did not suppose I could say anything that would make the duty of
the government in reference to this abuse of the hospitality of France
more clear, and then I went on to other business. In the course of my
conversation upon other topics I had occasion to refer again to this
vessel, as you will see in despatch No. 42, when he said, “I shall send
a copy of your letter to the minister of marine at once,” intimating at
the same time his decided disapproval of the use made of the
Rappahannock, and his determination to have it stopped.
I have written to our consular agent at Calais to keep me fully advised
of everything that may occur on board the Rappahannock, especially
between this and the 10th instant.
I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys
Legation of the United
States,
Paris,
March 2, 1865.
Sir: I am informed by our consul at
Liverpool that the men captured from the steamer Florida, formerly
in the service of the insurgent States of America, when liberated at
Boston, came to Liverpool, where they were landed on the 16th of
February last, and were paid off by Lieutenant Morris, late
commander of the Florida, at the office of Fraser, Trenholm &
Co., on the 20th following. At the time of their payment Lieutenant
Morris gave to each man a certificate, of which the following is a
copy, except the names:
[Page 237]
“Liverpool, February 20, 1865.
“Peter Mott, seaman, has leave of absence until the 10th day of
March, 1865, on which day he will report on board the confederate
steamer Rappahannock for duty.
“C. M. MORRIS, Lieutenant
Commander.”
This report corresponds with information which has reached me from
other consular officers to the effect that the Rappahannock, now
lying at Calais, is used as a receiving ship for the insurgents.
I presume that I have only to direct your excellency’s attention to
this abuse of the hospitality of France to have it stopped. I take
it for granted that the enemies of the United States will not be
permitted “to rendezvous” on the soil or in the waters of the
empire. Permit me to invite your excellency’s attention specially to
the fact that the seamen of the Florida are to report for duty to
the so-called confederate government on the 10th instant, and to
express the hope that the imperial government will not only make an
example of these offenders against the laws of France and the
violation of her hospitality, but will also take measures to prevent
a repetition of the offences.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your excellency the
assurance of high consideration with which I have the honor to be
your very obedient servant,
His Excellency M. Drouyn de Lhuys,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paris.
