ded during the Crimean war, and their an- swer to British remonstrances was that they had used all their authority to prevent such evasion, but could do nothing with- out legal evidence. Her Majesty's gov- ernment cannot, therefore, admit their lia- bility for the proceedings of the Alabama, but think that amendments to the foreign enlistment act might give them greater preventive power in the future. Similar amendments should be made to the Amer- ican law at the same time. Lord Russell is ready to receive suggestions with a view to such alterations.
Inclosing his reply of the 30th ultimo, to Lord Russell's note of the 19th, in which he states that his previous representation was based on the ground that the building and equipment of the Alabama was a viola- tion of municipal law which her Majesty's government might and should have pre- vented, and inquires whether, on these premises, the injured party has not the right to complain and ask redress. The claim of France to equip privateers in American ports was based on its construc- tion of a treaty with the United States. Before the French government could be notified that the United States held to a different construction, several captures of British vessels were made by such priva- teers, for which the United States, admit- ting its responsibility for the omission to enforce its laws, made full reparation. Mr. Adams denies that the United States have induced British subjects to violate her Majesty's orders. The United States have simply purchased arms and supplies in the ordinary course of trade. British subjects, allies of the insurgents, have broken our lawful blockade, thereby com- mitting an aggravated offense against the United States government, and have built, equipped, and manned privateers in violȧ- tion of their own laws. No similarity ex- ists between these two modes of action to justify Lord Russell in regarding the bel- ligerents from the same stand-point. Mr. Adams quotes the President's message of 1855, showing that there had been no vio- lations of neutrality by United States cit- izens, and refers to the government's prompt action in the case of the Maury and the resolutions of the New York Chamber of Commerce in relation thereto, as contrasted with the state of affairs in England. Incloses copy of his note to Lord Russell, covering papers in reference to the Ala- bama received with dispatch No. 429.
Earl Russell to Lord Lyons.
Has received from Mr. Adams papers respect- | 112 ing proceedings of the Alabama, which do not affect the principles of international law on which the answer of the British government was based. The remedy for such outrages is a matter for the United States Navy. If, as alleged, there are British subjects among the Alabama's crew, they are acting in violation of the Queen's proclamation, but, unfortunately, in accordance with the principles main- tained by Mr. Seward in the case of the Sunbeam.
454 Mr. Seward to Jan. 19 Acknowledges receipt of Nos. 281 and 286, 113 Mr. Adams.
with inclosures. Mr. Adams's reply to Earl Russell is approved. The latter's arguments are not satisfactory, and it is hoped he will reconsider the subject. Although our enlistment act does not seem to be defective, Earl Russell's suggestions in amendment will be received. Incloses intercepted rebel correspondence to be presented to British government. Transmits note from Lord Russell, and his reply, in reference to the Alabama. Lord Russell, in reply to Mr. Adams's note of the 30th ult., asserts that the circumstances under which the vessel escaped were not "under the control" of her Majesty's government, and that measures for her detention were not intentionally delayed or neglected. They could not act without legal evidence. He quotes Mr. Jefferson's letter to show that in the cases in the French war in which redress was given by the United States for captures by French privateers, our government had purposely delayed action. In the matter of furnishing supplies, Lord Russell re-asserts the right of his government to complain of both belligerents having induced British subjests to violate the Queen's proclamation, and more strongly of the United States, because it has received the greater quantity. He did not mean to accuse Mr. Adams of encouraging enlistments of British subjects in United States service, but refers to large bounties offered to those residing in the United States, and to Mr. Seward's avowal of this policy in case of the Sunbeam. Mr. Adams, in reply, re-asserts the position taken in his former note, of the responsibility of the British government for the escape of the Alabama, after timely notice had been given. Declines discussion of questions raised by Lord Russell, imputing other meanings to the language of his former note than those
Mr. Seward to Feb. 2 Mr. Adams.
Mr. Adams to Feb. 13 Mr. Seward.
Earl Russell to Feb. 14 Lord Lyons.
Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
clearly expressed therein, and again dis- claims any "systematic policy" of enlist- ing British subjects on the part of the United States.
Incloses memorial in reference to destruction of ships Brilliant and Manchester by the Alabama, for presentation to British gov- ernment.
In obedience to instruction 454, has called Lord Russell's attention to his reply to Mr. Adams's note of 20th November, in regard to reparation for present damages by Ala- bama, and future prevention, and stated that he was not yet authorized to say any- thing on his answer to first point. It appears from conversation with Mr. Ad- ams, that the United States desire the con- troversy in case of the Alabama to be car- ried on in London rather than in Wash- ington.
Incloses copy of note to Lord Russell, trans- mitting memorial received with 466. Feb. 19 Has received No. 310, with inclosures. Mr. Adams's reply to Lord Russell is approved. The United States cannot relinquish its claim for redress of injuries committed by Alabama. This government is anxious to avoid all unfriendliness with foreign na- tions, especially with Great Britain. The President, therefore, hopes that Earl Rus- sell will propose some amendments to the foreign enlistment acts of both countries. The Senate has prepared a bill giving the President discretionary power to grant let- ters of marque. Should it become law, as is expected, foreign nations will be noti- fied, if it should become necessary to en- force it.
Mr. Adams to Mar. 13 Incloses notes of Lord Russell in reply to his Mr. Seward.
Earl Russell to Mar. 27 Lord Lyons.
of 9th, 16th, and 19th of February, dis- claiming all responsibility of British gov- ernment for acts of Alabama.
Refers to his interview with Mr. Adams yes- terday, in which the latter read a dispatch from Mr. Seward in relation to the Alabama and Oreto. In reply to Lord Russell's state- ments, that the Alabama was fitted out in Portuguese waters, and that the British government only required sufficient evi- dence to act in similar cases, Mr. Adams dwelt upon the enormity of this kind of warfare, and feared that the issue of let- ters of marque by the United States might prove the only remedy. Lord Russell sug- gested the offer of large rewards for the capture of the vessels. Mr. Adams thought that England should declare her condem- nation of these infractions of her law; also, that if the law was sufficient, the government should enforce it; if not, they should amend it. Lord Russell replied that the cabinet thought the law sufficient, and
356 Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
that the government had done their best to execute it. Admitting the cases of the Alabama and Oreto to be a scandal and a reproach to the laws, he thought that the assistance given by British subjects to the federals greatly outweighed that given to the confederates. Mr. Adams totally denied this, and said that there was a manifest conspiracy in England in the rebel interest to provoke America to declare war. He had worked to the utmost for peace, but the task had become most difficult. Mr. Adams fully deserves the character of having always labored earnestly for peace. Lord Russell trusts his efforts and those of the two governments will be successful. Mar. 27 Reports result of conference with Lord Russell yesterday. After deploring the probable success of operations of rebel agents in England, as shown by inclosed letter, and stating the object of the interview to be to obtain their prevention by her Majesty's government, Mr. Adams read Mr. Seward's dispatch No. 505, and expressed his regret of the possible necessity, therein referred to, of issuing letters of marque. Lord Russell repeated the desire of the government to remain neutral, and their disapproval of proceedings in Liverpool, but said that legal evidence of these proceedings was necessary. He referred to his speech of Monday last, which had been approved by Lord Palmerston. Mr. Adams suggested an official condemnation of the violations of law referred to would have great weight in America. Lord Russell's tone throughout was friendly. He regretted the departure of the two privateers, but wondered that they had not yet been captured. Mr. Adams left a copy of resolutions of Congress on intervention; also, alluded to a letter received from Liverpool suggesting that the United States prosecute the offenders in the case of the gunboats. Should this appear advisable, Lord Russell promised to inform him. In view of the better disposition now evinced by the government and people of Great Britain, Mr. Adams recommends postponement of all minatory measures on our part.
Transmits Morning Star's report of last even- ing's debate in Commons, the result of which will tend to undo the effect of Lord Russell's speech.
Mar. 28 Incloses copies of letters and papers. ob- tained from C. R. Yonge, clerk to Captain Bullock; has sent originals to Mr. Adams. In reference to present connection of M. G. Klingender with the Alabama.
Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.
Has taken affidavit of Clarence R. Yonge, | 129 former paymaster in confederate navy.
Evidence furnished by him is sufficient to convict the Lairds and others under for- eign enlistment act. Transmits correspondence with Lord Russell in regard to hostile vessels preparing at Liverpool. Has urged action of some sort to prevent their success. Incloses papers received from Mr. Dudley and laid before Lord Russell, showing Captain Bullock's position in the confederate navy, his ap- pointment of Yonge as paymaster, ac- companied by instructions, and Captain Semmes's subsequent revocation of said appointment.
Transmits published official documents show- ing steps taken by customs authorities, in reference to the Alabama before and after her departure.
April 3 Incloses affidavit of rebel paymaster Yonge 143 in reference to Captain Bullock and the "290." Incloses for presentation to Lord Russell me- morial of Panama Railroad Company, and others, in regard to destruction of bark Golden Rule by Alabama. In this, as in similar cases, the United States holds Great Britain responsible.
April 9 Transmits copy of his note to Lord Russell, 144 covering Yonge's deposition showing ope- rations of Captain Bullock and certain persons in Liverpool, as naval and finan- cial agents of the rebels, and exhibiting English character of the Alabama's crew; also transmits Lord Russell's acknowledg- ment of its receipt.
Mr. Seward to April 20 Mr. Adams.
Mr. Adams to April 30 Mr. Seward.
Mr. Seward to June 18 Mr. Adams.
Mr. Adams to July 16 July 16 Mr. Seward.
542. Incloses Lord Russell's acknowledgment of 155 his letter of the 29th ultimo with memo- rial, &c. Incloses copies of letter of Edwin H. Robin- son and others, and of protest of Edward A. Swift and others, in relation to destruc- tion of ship Golden Eagle by the Alabama, to be presented to British government as part of claims.
Inclosing copy of his note to Lord Russell, 156 transmitting papers received with No. 630, and Lord Russell's acknowledgment thereof.
Mr. Seward to Aug. 7 Inclosing memorial of George B. Upton, in 159 Mr. Adams.
reference to ship Nora destroyed by the Alabama, to be presented to British gov- ernment as part of claims.
Mr. Adams to Aug. 28 Transmits copy of his note to Lord Russell, 160 Mr. Seward.
inclosing Upton memorial received with No. 673.
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