The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-06-23
England Withdraws Belligerent Rights
all to the Rebels.
From the London Gazette.l

FOREIGN OFFICE, June 6, 1865.
Copy of letter from Earl Russell to
the Lords Commissioners of the Admit
Srality:
FOREIGN OFFICE, June 2, 1866.
My LoRDs-I have the honor to sta e
to your lordships that since the date Of
my letterof the 1lthult., intelligence has
reached this country that the late Presi-
dent of the so-called Confederate States
has been captured by the military forces
of the United States, and has been trans
ported, as a prisoner, to Fort Monroe,
and that the armies hitherto kept in the
field by the Confederate States have, for
the most part, surrendered OF dispersed.
In this posture of affairs Her Majesty's
Government are of opinion that neutral
nations cannot but consider the war in
North America as at an end.
In conformity with this opinion, Her
Majesty's Government recognize that
peace has been restored within the whole
territory of which the United States of
North America, before the commence
ment of the civil war, were in undis-
turbed possession.
AS necessary consequence OF such
recognition on the part of Her Majesty's
Government, Her Majesty's several au-
thorities in all ports, harbors, and waters
belonging to Her Majesty, whether in
the United Kingdom or beyond the seas,
must henceforth refuse permission to any
vessel of war carrying Confederate flag
to enter any such ports, harbors and
waters; and must require any Confede-
rate vessels of war, which at the time
when these orders reach Her Maiesty's
authorities in such ports, harbors and
waters, may have already entered therein
on the faith of prOclamations heretofore
issued by Her Majesty, and which, hav-
ing complied with the provisions of such
proclamations, may be actually within
such ports, harbors andwaters, forthwith
20 depart from them.
But her Maiesty's government consid-
er that a due regard for national good
faith and honor requires that her Majes-
ty's authorities should be instructed, as
regards any such Confederate vessels SO
departing that they should have the
Deneht OF the prohibition heretofore en-
forced against pursuit of them within
twenty TOUR hours by a cruiser of the
United States lying at the time within
any such ports harbors and waters, and
that such prohibition should be then and
for the last time maintained in their fl-
vor. 4aJ.es5f
If, however, the commander of any
COnIederate VeSSel or war which NAV be
found in any port, harbor OF waters of
her Majesty's dominions at the time
these new orders are received by her Ma
jesty's authorities, or may enter such
port, harbor or waters within month
after these new orders are received,
should wish to divest his vessel of her
Warlike character, and after disarming
her, to remain without Confederate
flag within British waters, her Majesty's
authorities may allow the commander of
such vessel to do so at his own risk in all
respects, in which case he should be dis
tinctly apprised that he is to expect no
further protection from her Majesty's
government, except such as he may be
entitled to i'm the ordinary course of the
administration ofthe law in time ofpeace.
The rule as to twenty-four hours would
Of course, not be applicable to the case of
such vessel. z 1a9
l have addressed similar letter to the
secretaries of State for the Home, Colo
MAJ, India and War Offices, and also to
the Lords Commissioners of her Majes-
gs treasury, requesting them, as do
your L0rdships, to issue instructions in
conformity with the decision of her Ma
Jesty's government to the several British
authorities, at home or abroad. who NAV
be called upon to act in the matter.
AN, 0cv 1.53s RUSSELL.