Mr. Dudley to July Mr. Seward.
justify interference. Commissioners will keep a strict watch on vessel, and suggest that the United States consul submit his evidence in the case to the collector at Liverpool. Fourthly. Mr. Adams's note to Earl Russell, July 7, acknowledging receipt of latter's note of 4th inst., and stating that instructions have been given the consul to place his evidence before the collector.
9 According to Mr. Adams's request, will fur- nish evidence in case of Lairds' gunboat to collector at Liverpool, where it can be done without violation of confidence. The British government should not throw upon us the burden of proof. The gunboat, should she escape, will probably endeavor to capture some of the California steamers with specie. The Rosalind, with arma- ment previously referred to, sailed on Sat- urday.
July 11 Inclosing note to collector in regard to Lairds' gunboat, and collector's answer. Also, note to Mr. Adams, covering copy of collector's reply, and description of inside of vessel. If we must prove by legal evidence that she is intended for the rebels, it is hardly worth while to apply to the government to stop her. Statement of Richard Brougan shows Captain Bullock's connection with the ves- sel, and that she is intended for the insur- gents. Her armament is to consist of twelve 32-pounders and three large swivel-guns. July 12 Lairds' gunboat, (now called No. 290,) is un- der command of Captain Butcher, a Bri- tish subject, and an officer of the Cunard line. He will turn over command to Cap- tain Bullock when vessel gets out to sea, and remain as second officer. The man shipping the crew is also in the Cunard Company's service.
299 Mr. Seward to July 12 Acknowledging receipt of No. 179. Has Mr. Adams.
communicated imperfect information therein contained relative to attempted violation of neutrality at Liverpool to Navy Department. On account of fitting out of Oreto, &c. Congress is about to authorize the issue of letters of marque and reprisal for suppression of piracy. Tuscarora still at Southampton undergoing slight repairs. Consul at Liverpool has made representations to the collector in regard to the "290," which were rejected on account of informality. Mr. Adams has asked legal advice respecting expedi- ency of another form of procedure against the vessel, suggested by Lord Russell. Has fully informed Captain Craven, and advised him to attempt to intercept the vessel on her way out.
Mr. Dudley to July 18 Inclosing letter from Collector Edwards in Mr. Seward.
reference to the "290," stating government
deems evidence insufficient, and declin- ing to act. A solicitor, Mr. Squarey, who thinks evidence enough to hold the ves- sel, has, by direction of Mr. Adams, been retained to make out a case under foreign enlistment act.
Mr. Dudley to July 22 Difficulty of getting direct proof in case Mr. Seward.
Mr. Adams to July 25 Mr. Seward.
Mr. Squarey to July 26 Mr. Gardner.
Mr. Gardner to July 28 Mr. Squarey.
against the "290," on account of the hos- tile feeling in Liverpool. Has procured two witnesses from crew who testify pos- itively that she is a rebel vessel. Evi- dence was laid before collector. Mr. Col- lier thinks it necessary to take steps to have vessel condemned, even should col- lector decide to stop her. Has returned from London, where two addi- tional affidavits of members of crew of the "290” were procured, which were laid directly before the board of customs. Board had decided previous evidence in- sufficient, upon which a contrary opinion was procured from Mr. Collier, which was inclosed to the board with affidavits and a note from Mr. Squarey, asking them to reconsider. Incloses affidavits which were laid before Earl Russell by Mr. Adams. Mr. Squarey has shown Mr. La- yard Mr. Collier's opinion, and requested him to act promptly. The question of se- curity to the collector has not arisen. Mr. Collier thinks proceedings for condemna- tion necessary under the act, and to jus- tify the collector in holding the vessel. Both counsel deem the case strong enough to procure her condemnation before any
Incloses two opinions of Mr. Collier as to illegality of fitting out of the "290." Has directed Mr. Dudley to act vigorously and render professional advice. Thinks Mr. Collier's second opinion that United States may have serious ground of remonstrance if vessel be permitted to escape, will not suffice with collector to detain her. In- closes copies of all papers which he had communicated to Lord Russell. Has re- ceived no answer. Tuscarora still at Southampton; will be instructed to inter- cept the "290," if possible, should she de- part.
Calls attention to affidavits forwarded on 23d instant respecting gunboat "290." Has submitted letter of 26th to board of customs, who, in the absence of instruc- tions from lords commissioners of the treasury, can give no directions in regard to the gunboat.
Duncans, Squa- July 29 Telegraphed this morning that the "290"
had left port. Believe she has gone to Queenstown.
Mr. Dickens to Duncans, Squa- rey & Black-
Acknowledges for customs board receipt of information of departure of the "290," and has communicated same to commissioners of treasury.
Mr. Dudley to July 26 Inclosing affidavit of Henry Redden, boat- Mr. Seward.
swain of the "290." Has heard nothing from authorities in reference to applica- tion to stop her sailing.
Earl Russell to July 28 Acknowledges receipt of letters of 22d and Mr. Adams.
Mr. Dudley to July 30 Mr. Seward.
Mr. Adams to July 31 Mr. Seward.
24th, in regard to the "290," and has re- ferred them to law officers of the Crown. Pursuant to treasury order of to-day, tele- grams were sent to collectors at Liverpool and Cork to seize the "290." Similar tele- grams also sent to officers at Beaumaris and Holyhead, and letter to collector at Cork. The "290" sailed yesterday without register or clearance, which collector says were unnecessary. Tug Hercules is taking on board men, &c., to join her off Cape Lynas. Incloses copy of letter to collector protest- ing against sailing of Hercules. Under- stands the gunboat will go to a Spanish port, and will address letter to consuls in Spain.
Has informed Captain Craven of departure of the "290." The Tuscarora left South- ampton on the 29th and will attempt her capture.
Describes interview with Lord Russell, in which the use of Nassau by the rebels and the fitting out of gunboats Oreto and "290" were discussed. In reference to the latter Lord Russell stated that a sudden illness of the Queen's advocate had delay- ed the decision until after the vessel had left. Orders would be given to detain her at Nassau if she went there. Mr. Adams thinks, (but did not say,) that she had been advised of proceedings on foot against her, hence her sudden departure. He express- ed satisfaction that a decision had been reached against the vessel. Lord Russell had no information concerning detention of Oreto at Nassau.
Mr. Dudley to Aug. 1. Inclosing additional correspondence between Mr. Seward. Mr. Squarey and the secretary of the board of customs, in reference to the "290;" also slip from Daily Post about Oreto and the "290." Has sent copies of all papers to Mr. Adams. The "290" put in at Holy- head and left next morning. Tuscarora put in at Queenstown yesterday p. m. The "290" has gone north. Report of her being off Giant's Causeway probably un- true. Captain Bullock, who sailed in her, has returned. Statement that she is within 300 miles getting her armament is unlike- ly. Statements of Barnett, who shipped her crew, indicate an intention to run blockade.
203 Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Reports correspondence with Captain Cra- ven up to 6th instant. Latter sailing up St. George's Channel put an end to every chance of capturing the "290." Mr. Ad- ams has advised him to return to his sta- tion at Gibraltar.
8 Many rumors are afloat about the "290," but not reliable. Incloses a shipping note in which she is called the "Enrica, Learns that the "290" is somewhere on Eng- lish or Irish coast, and that fifty men are being shipped for her. Has informed Mr. Adams and Captain Craven. The men referred to in yesterday's dispatch, together with cannon and munitions of war for the "290," have been placed on board steamer Bahama, which has sailed without clearance, having entered to load for Nassau. Has informed Mr. Adams and consul at Dublin where Tuscarora was yesterday.
113 Mr. Dudley to Aug. 20 Mr. Seward.
Mr. Seward to Aug. 25 Mr. Adams.
In interview with Mr. Seward explained to him that her Majesty's government had done all in its power in cases of Oreto and the "290," and would do the same in future, whenever proofs were furnished. Letters of marque will not be isued by the United States for the present.
The Bahama will undoubtedly meet the "290" with her men and armament. The latter will probably not attempt to run the blockade, but will commence at once as a privateer, and endeavor to capture a Cali- fornia steamer.
Has received No. 203, and laid it before Sec- retary of Navy. Expresses regret at es- cape of the "290."
122 Mr. Dudley to Sept. 2 The Bahama has returned, having left the Mr. Seward.
left_the "290," (now called Alabama,) under Cap- tain Semmes, late of the Sumter, at Ter- ceira, at which place she had taken her armament from the Bahama. The latter brings back forty of the Alabama's crew, one of whom reports that she has com- menced her cruise for the destruction of American vessels. About one hundred and forty hands were shipped at Terceira. The Bahama took to the Alabama four Sa- vannah pilots. The men who returned from the latter were paid off in M. G. Klin- gender's office.
As expected, the Alabama did not go to Nas- sau. Her difficulty will be to keep sup- plied with coal.
Transmits copy of intercepted letter from S. R. Mallory to James H. North, showing that two steamers have been fitted out in England to make war upon the United States. It is hoped that this unquestion- able evidence of violation of neutrality will influence her Majesty's government in future cases.
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