Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-09

Surrender o Mason and sIldeII
(cdI Correspondence beteen Secretary tenard ard the
British Minister.
Mr.. SEWARD TO Mr.. ADAMs-(ExTRACT)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON, November 80, 1861.
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS Esq &C., &c
not marked dispatch has been submitted to the Pres
dent and hasten reply to it in time for Wednesdays
mail.
No minister spoke or acted wisely in crisis
which excited deep public soeitude than you did on the
occasion of the Lord Mayors dinner We impressed
very favoraby Lord PalmeIsons conversation with
You spoke the simple fact when you told him that the life
in Great Britain and in France II would perish in ninety
days, these hopes should bave never for
ment believed that such a recognition could take place
without producing Immediately between the United
States and all the recognizing powers have not
see this and the time have sincerely believed the
British Government must in its Utmost heart be
such war as know this government is.
that this has carefully avoided Civ
ing of offence irritation to Great Britain But
it has seemed that the Brh Government has been
natenve to the currents that seem to be bringing two
countries into collision
infer from Lord Palnestod's remark that the British
Government awake to the importance of aveltng
possible conflict and disposed confer and act with
that end If So we are disposed to meet them
in the Same spirit as nation chiefly Of British lineage,
sentiments End mpathesa civil lied and humane natiOn
Since tina conversation was he'd. Captain Wilkes in the
steamer San Jacnto has boarded British colonial steamer
and deck IN insurgents no proceed
ing to Europe errand of against thir
country This is incident, unknown and unforeseen,
least circumstances by Lord PaIme,son 1t is to
be ard spo ed Of by tie governments if possible
III the spirit to witch have adverted Lord Lyons has
prudens ref aimed from opening the subject to me- as
presume, waiting for instructions home We have
done nothing the subject to anticipate the discussion
ard We have not furnished you with any explanations We
adhere that because think pro-
dent that the ground taken by the British Government
should be first made known TO Us here and that the discus
son there be one, shall be had here. 1t proper
however that should know fact in the with
cut nd atng that at ach Importance to it, namely that
@
British vessel Captain Wilkes having acted without any H.
eGtons ron the Inc snnJest 3D. therefore
the act had beer specially directed by
trust that the British government will consider the sub
ec III friendly temper and may expect the best dispo
sItion on the Part OF this government
our reading it TO Earl Russell and Lord Pa mers0n you
deem it expedient.
atn, sir, our obedent
WILLIAM Fl. SEWARD.
EARL RUSSELL TO LORD LYONS.
The Lord Lyons X c. B., &c. &C., dc,
MY LORD -Inte igence of aver grave nature has
The intelligence conveyed officially the knowledge
of the Admiralty by Commander Williams, agent for mails
on board the contract steamer Trent.
Ii appears from the letter Of mmander Williams, dated
Hoyel Mai! Contract Packet Trent New 9Th"
Msjastys mails for England, having board numerous
passengers. Commander Williams that shortly
noon, on The ath steamer having the appearance of
man OF war hut showing no colo1s was observed ahead
I'm nearing her at 10 r. Nj, she fred round shot from
/
American cOlofs. While the Trent pproachng her
slowly The american vessel discharged she'll the
bows of the Trent exploding half cables length ahead
OF her The Trent then stopped and an officer with large
armed guard OF marines boarded her, The officer demand
mand being refused the officer said he had orders to
essrs. Mason Sde, NcFarane and Eustis and that he
hsd SD information OF their beng passengers in the Trent
While pariey going upon this matter Mr. Sill
Cell stepped forward and told the American officer that the
tour persons e had named then standing before him.
he commander Of the Trent and commander Williams
proes ed the of taking by force out of the
Trent these four passengers then under the protection
ire British flag Bat the 'an Jacinto at that time
OILY two hundred yards from the Trent her ships compa-
at quarters her ports open and tompons out. Resist
ance was therefore, out of the question: and the four gen.
emen before named were orclby taken out of the ship
further demand mhde that the commander of the
Trent should proceed On board the San scnto bat he said
he would not CO. unless orcbly compelled like wise and
this demand was not insisted upon,
1t thus appears that certain individuals have been forei
big taken from on board British vessel the ship of
trail power while such vessel pursuing lawful in
nOcent voyage act OF violence which aront to
the British flag, and violation of international law.
Her Maests Government, bearing in mind the friendly
relations which long subssted between the United
States and Great Britain willing to believe that the Uni
ted States officer who committed the aggression, not
acting in compliance with any authority from his Govern
that II he conceived himself 10 be so authorized
he greatly misunderstood the instruction which he had
fully that the British Government could not allow
such an ar0nt the rational honor without full
reparaon and Her MAJESTY, overnmeft are rn1,in -
believe tha could be the deliberate intention of the
efnmel oil the United unnecessarily to force in
discussion between the two governments nneston Of az
character ANA with regard which the whole Brit
s nation would be soIe to entertain such unanmy Of feel
ing.
Her Majestys Government trust therefore that when
this matter shall have been brought under the consideration
OF the of the United States
will OF accord offer to hs British Government sucb
redress alone could satisfy British nation namely the
liberation OF the four gentlemen and Their delivery
iordshp in order that they again be placed Brit
lsh protection and suitable apology for the aggression
which has been committed.
should these terms he offered by Mr.. Seward you
! will propose them to him
You at rty to read this dispatch to the
| and EG ShaI
| of it. ~
am, &c, RUSSELL.
"A. SEWARD LORD LYONS.
| DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
WASHINGTON, December 26, 1861. {
! The Right Honorable Lord Lyons. &C., &C.:
Ny Or0-EaIl Russe's spatch of Nov. Both a cow Of
wFlch you have left with at request, is follow
ing effect,
That letter OF Commander Williams, dated Royal Mai
contract boat Trent Nov s, yes
Sci left Havana tie 7h o. November with her Majesty
mails Tor England, having board passengers
shortly after noon on the 6th of November, the Uni ed
states war steamer San JaCinto Ca pt Wilkes showing
cooEs, was observed ahead. The steamer, upon tepe
neared by the Trent at lis ia tie afternoon fred rosnG
shOt from pivot gun her showed Ame
can coiors While the Trent appYoaching slowly to
wards the San Jacnto she discharged shell across the
trent BOWS, which exploded at half cables length be
iore her' The Trent then stopped, and efcer with
large armed guard of marines, her The officer
SAID he had orders to essrs Mason Sdel NcFar
lane and kusts and had information that thew were
| passengers the Trent. While roino