Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Washington, November 11, 1861.
Sir: The case in regard to pirates engages by the insurgents in this country practically stands thus: every naval power, and every commercial power except one, practically excludes them from, their ports, except in distress, or for a visit of any kind longer than twenty-four hours, and from supplies, except of coals, for twenty-four hour’s consumption.
Great Britain, as we are given to understand by the answer of Earl Russell, allows these pirates to visit her ports and stay at their own pleasure, receiving supplies without restriction.
We find it difficult to believe that the government of Great Britain has constituted this exception with full deliberation. I intimated in a preceding despatch, No. 112, a hope that the subject might be reconsidered before it should be necessary for us to consider what remedies we can adopt to prevent the evils which must result to our commerce from the policy thus indicated by Great Britain. I have consulted on the subject with Lord Lyons, and he may perhaps communicate with his government thereupon. Meantime, I am directed by the President to instruct you to recall the attention of her Majesty’s government to the question, under the influences of a spirit of peace and friendship, and with a desire to preserve what remains of a commerce mutually important to both countries.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.