heretofore enforced against pursuit of them within twenty-four 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 favor.

If, however, the commander of any confederate vessel of war which may be found in any port, harbor, or waters of her Majesty's dominions at the time these new orders are received by her Majesty's authorities, or may enter such port, harbor, or waters within a month after these new orders are received, should wish to divest his vessel of her warlike character, and, after disarming her, to remain without a 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 distinctly apprised that he is to expect no further protection from her Majesty's government, except such as he may be entitled to in the ordinary course of the administration of the law in time of peace.

The rule as to twenty-four hours would of course not be applicable to the case of such vessel.

I have addressed a similar letter to the secretaries of state for the home, colonial, India, and war offices, and also to the lords commissioners of her Majesty's treasury, requesting them, as I do your lordships, to issue instructions in conformity with the decision of her Majesty's government to the several British authorities at home or abroad who may be called upon to act in the matter.

I am, &c.,

RUSSELL.

NOTE. A similar letter was addressed to the secretaries of state for the home, colonial, war, and India departments, and to the lords commissioners of her Majesty's treasury.

APPENDIX No. VII.

Return to an address of the honorable the House of Commons, dated July 8, 1863, for "copy of a memorial from certain ship-owners of Liverpool to the secretary of state for foreign affairs, suggesting an alteration in the foreign enlistment act.”

No. 1.

To the right honorable the Earl Russell, her Majesty's principal secretary of state for the foreign department.

The memorial of the undersigned ship-owners of Liverpool showeth: That your memorialists, who are deeply interested in British shipping, view with dismay the probable future consequences of a state of affairs which permits a foreign belligerent to construct in, and send to sea from, British ports vessels of war, in contravention of the provisions of the existing law.

That the immediate effect of placing at the disposal of that foreign belligerent a very small number of steam cruisers has been to paralyze the mercantile marine of a powerful maritime and naval nation, inflicting within a few months losses, direct and indirect, on its ship-owning and mercantile interests, which years of peace may prove inadequate to retrieve.

That your memorialists cannot shut their eyes to the probability that in any future war between England and a foreign power, however insignificant in naval strength, the example now set by subjects of her Majesty, while England is neutral, may be followed by citizens of other countries neutral when England is belligerent; and that the attitude of helplessness in which her Majesty's government have declared their inability to detect and punish breaches of the law notoriously committed by certain of her Majesty's subjects, may hereafter be successfully imitated by the governments of those other countries in answer to English remonstrances.

That the experience of late events has proved to the conviction of your memorialists that the possession by a belligerent of swift steam cruisers, under no necessity, actual or conventional, to visit the possibly blockaded home ports of that belligerent, but able to obtain all requisite supplies from neutrals, will become a weapon of offense against which no preponderance of naval strength can effectually guard, and the severity of which will be felt in the ratio of the shipping and mercantile wealth of the nation against whose mercantile marine the efforts of those steam cruisers may be directed. That the effect of future war with any power thus enabled to purchase, prepare, and refit vessels of war in neutral ports, will inevitably be to transfer to neutral flags that portion of the sea-carrying trade of the world which is now enjoyed by your memorialists, and by other British shipowners.

That over and above the chances of pecuniary loss to themselves, your memorialists share in the regret with which a law-regarding community must naturally look on suc

cessful attempts to evade the provisions of an act of Parliament, passed for a single and simple purpose, but which has been found not to give the executive all the powers needed for its effective execution.

That your memorialists would accordingly respectfully urge upon your lordship the expediency of proposing to Parliament to sanction the introduction of such amendments into the foreign enlistment act as may have the effect of giving greater power to the executive to prevent the construction in British ports of ships destined for the use of belligerents.

And your memorialists would further suggest to your lordship the importance of endeavoring to secure the assent of the governments of the United States of America and of other foreign countries to the adoption of similar regulations in those countries also.

All which your memorialists respectfully submit.

Lamport & Holt.

James Baines & Co.
Richard Nicholson & Son.
W. B. Boadle.

J. Prowse & Co.
Currie, Newton & Co.
Nelson, Alexander & Co.
Kendall Brown.

G. S. H. Fletcher & Co.
J. Aikin.

Finlay, Campbell & Co.
Cropper, Ferguson & Co.
J. Campbell.
S. R. Graves.
Rankin, Gilmour & Co.
Rathbone Bros. & Co.

LIVERPOOL, June 9, 1863.

James Brown & Co.
James Poole & Co.
W. Jacob & Co.
Henry Moore & Co.
Imrie & Tomlinson.
Thomas Chilton.
Jones, Palmer & Co.
Farnworth & Jardine.
Thomas & James Harrison.
L. H. Macintyre.
Potter Brothers.

Chas. Geo. Cowie & Co.
W. J. Seally.

R. Girvin & Co.

C. T. Bowring & Co.

No. 2.

Mr. Hammond to Messrs. Lamport & Holt, and others.

FOREIGN OFFICE, July 6, 1863. GENTLEMEN: I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt of the memorial, dated the 9th of June, signed by you and others of the merchants at Liverpool, in which you urge upon his lordship the expediency of proposing to Parliament such amendments to the foreign enlistment act as shall enable the government to prevent the construction in British ports of ships destined for the use of belligerents.

I am to state to you, in reply, that in Lord Russell's opinion the foreign enlistment act is effectual for all reasonable purposes, and to the full extent to which international law or comity can require, provided proof can be obtained of any act done with the intent to violate it.

Even if the provisions of the act were extended, it would still be necessary that such roof should be obtained, because no law could or should be passed to punish upon suspicion instead of upon proof.

I am, &c.,

E. HAMMOND.

APPENDIX No. VII.

PRIVATE JOURNAL OF AN OFFICER OF THE ALABAMA. * [From a supplement to the South African Advertiser and Mail, Cape Town, Saturday, September 19, 1863.] "OUR CRUISE IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES' WAR STEAMER ALABAMA,” BY G. T. FULLAM.

The presidential election-the slave question-the slanderous tongues of northern senators-the tone of the northern press, and the unjust laws passed by a northern Congress-unjust because they acted, and were intended to act, upon the southern people-all these tended to produce a feeling of discontent and to foster minds already embittered against the North to withdraw from the Union, and to make for themselves a place among the nations of the earth.

To effect this object, negotiations were attempted to be entered into, which, however, signally failed, and it was only after every exertion had been made to adjust the matter in a peaceful and proper manner (but without avail) that recourse was made to arms. After the outbreak of the war, the immense naval superiority of the North gave them considerable advantages over the South, who, lacking convenience and material, were not able to build vessels with sufficient dispatch, and the Confederate States' government sent over Captain J. D. Bullock to England for the purpose of purchasing a war steamer. Accordingly the No. 290 was built and intended for a confederate vessel of war.

The No. 290 was launched from the building yard of Messrs. Laird, of Birkenhead. She was a bark-rigged wooden propeller, of 1,040 tons register. Length of keel, 210; length over all, 220 feet; beam, 32; depth, 17. Her engines, built by the same firm, were two horizontal ones, each of 300 horse-power, with stowage for 350 tons of coal. Her sails, carried at all times, were as follows: Fore, foretop-mast, stay-sail jib; two large try sails; the usual square sails on fore and main, with the exception of the main-sail, which was a flying one; spanker and gaff-top-sails; all standing rigging wire. Double wheel, with motto engraved thereon, "Aide, toi, et Dieu t'aidera," placed just before the mizzen-mast. Bridge in the center just before the funnel. Carried five boats, viz: cutter and launch amidships, gig and whale-boat between the main and mizzen masts, and dingy astern. The main deck pierced for twelve guns; elliptic stern; billet head; high bulwarks; cabin accommodations first-class; ward-room furnished with a handsome suite of state-rooms; steerage-starboard for midshipmen, port for engineers; next came engine-room, coal bunkers, &c.; then the berth-deck, capable of accommodating 120 men; under the ward-room were store-rooms; and under the steerage were shell-rooms; just forward of the fire-arms came the hold; next the magazines, and forward of all the boatswains' and sail-makers' store-rooms; the hold, &c., being all under the berth-deck.

At 9.15 a. m. of the 29th July, 1862, we weighed anchor, and proceeded slowly down the Mersey, anchoring in Moelfra Bay-having on board relatives and friends of the builders, both ladies and gentlemen. Our ostensible object in sailing was to go "on a trial trip," and the presence of the ladies and gentlemen gave a certain color to the report. In the evening transferred our visitors to a steam-tug. We remained here, shipping hands, &c., until 2 a. m. of the 31st, when we got under way, ostensibly bound to Nassau, Bahamas. A strong breeze was blowing from the southwest, accompanied with heavy rain, a boisterous sea running at the time, forming altogether a most uninviting picture, and one not at all calculated to augur good luck. Our unceremomous departure was owing to the fact of news being received to the effect that the customs authorities had orders to board and detain us that morning. Passing successively the Isle of Man, Ailsie Craig, &c., we hove to off the Giant's Causeway, and landed Captain Bullock and the pilot, amid a drenching shower of rain. Soon, however, it cleared up, and away we steered (to the westward,) at the rate of 134 knots an hour. Soon after clearing the land a strong southwest wind with a heavy sea continued until our arrival at Porto Praya, in the island of Terceira, (Azores,) on

*See dispatch from Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward, August 6, 1862, Vol. III, p. 37. Dispatch No. 530 from Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, November 5, 1863, Vol. III, p 202. Dispatch No. 533 from Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, November 13, 1863, Vol. III, p. 205. Note from Mr. Adams to Earl Russell, November 14,

1863, Vol. III, p. 206.

the 10th August. The port bow port had been stove in, and a few minor damages done by the heavy sea we had encountered, notwithstanding which our vessel gave promise of being a good sea boat, and also a swift one.

The same afternoon the officials came off, and in reply to their questions, we said that we were the steamer Barcelona, from London, fifteen days out, bound to Havana, and intended for the Spanish government for the war with Mexico. Were quarantined three days.

The vessel was under the command of Captain M. J. Butcher, late of the Cunard service. The rest of the officers were as follows, viz: Chief officer, John Low, (E) Savannah, Georgia; second officer, G. S. Fullam, Hull, England; Surgeon, D. H. Llewellyn, Easton, Wilts; paymaster, C. R. Yonge, Savannah, Georgia; chief engineer, J. McNair, England. The crew numbered about seventy men and boys.

Our object in going there-that is to Terceira-was to obtain the necessary arms, ammunition, &c., requisite for a vessel of war. England's proclamation of neutrality prevented the guns, &c., being placed on board in Liverpool. Skill and secrecy of no inconsiderable degree were required to escape the vigilance of the Yankees, who, through the agency of their spies, were quite au fait with regard to confederate affairs in England.

No sooner was our departure known than the United States steamer Tuscarora received, through the American consul at Liverpool, news of it. Every exertion was made by her commander to seize us, but without avail, for by the time the Tuscarora arrived in Moelfra Bay we had been gone two days. Going on shore I found the people both courteous and hospitable, every attention being paid by them. The bay is a moderate sized one, with good holding ground, and protected from all save easterly winds. Three or four forts (without guns) were built, but were nearly useless through decay. Beef has to be brought from Angra, on the other side of the island. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful, but water is scarce.

On the 13th a sail was observed standing into the harbor; anchoring near us, she proved to be the American whaling schooner Rising Sun, of Provincetown. Through the indiscretion of the purser, our real character became known, and considerable apprehension was felt for our safety on her departure a few days after.

On the 18th a sail was observed making for the anchorage. In the evening she anchored near us, when we found her to be the Agrippina, of London, Captain McQueen, having on board six guns, with ammunition, coals, stores, &c., for us. Preparations were immediately made to transfer her cargo. On the afternoon of the 20th, while employed discharging the bark, the screw steamer Bahama, Captain Tessier, arrived, having on board Commander Raphael Semmes and officers of the Confederate States steamer Sumter. Hauled steamer alongside, taking from her two thirty-two pounders, with some stores, &c., which took us until the following day.

22d.-Got up steam; dodging slowly along the island, having the bark fast alongside, taking from her a quantity of coal, &c., which took us until the evening of the 23d, when we anchored in Angra Bay. About 9 a. m. we were startled by the report of a gun, fired from a fort, and which was believed to have had a shot in. The Bahama immediately stood seaward, in order to draw the fire from us towards her. At 11 a. m. another was fired. The explanation given by the authorities the following morning was that it was only a mail signal. We had, however, considerable reason to doubt it. I was this day appointed acting master's mate to the Confederate States steamer Alabama. Sunday, 24th August, 1862.-Strong northwest wind at 12.30; got under way in company with the Bahama, and stood along the island of Terceira. At 2 p. m. Captain Semmes read his commission, and formally took command of the Confederate States steamer Alabama, eight guns; hoisting the confederate ensign at the peak, the English St. George's at the fore, and the pendant at the main, firing a gun at the same time. Commander Semmes made a most effective, spirited address, in which (after speaking of the relations existing between the North and South) he said, "his principal object was to cripple the commerce of the enemy; that he was not going to fight a fifty-gun ship, but as soon as they had become proficient in the use of their weapons, he would give them an opportunity to show the world what they were made of." "Three rousing cheers were given on its conclusion.

Having conveyed Captains Bullock and Butcher to the Bahama, I returned, and at 11.30 p.m. we hoisted launch and parted, the Bahama returning to Liverpool, and the Alabama proceeding on a cruise. (Including commander, twenty-six officers and eightyfive men.) 2.30 p. m. of the following day, hoisted up the propeller and secured it, it being our intention to cruise under sail only, unless occasion demanded steam.

29th.-Gave chase to a brig; lost her in the darkness. The following day sighted another that showed French colors. 6.30 p. m. called all hands to muster and stationed them at the great guns. Strong northeast wind.

31st.-Sail reported on our lee bow; gave chase. Showed Portuguese colors.

2d September.-Chased a bark; on boarding she proved to be the La Foi, from Timor to Nantes.

4th.-Exercised first and second divisions at great guns.

5th.-Several vessels in sight; gave chase to one, discovering her to be a Portuguese brigantine; went about and chased a ship which showed American colors. On boarding she proved the Ockmulgee, whaler, of Martha's Vineyard, with a valuable sperm whale fast alongside. Took possession, transferred her crew to the Alabama, and a quantity of stores. All prisoners, American-born, were put in irons; the rest, if English, &c., were not ironed.

6th.-Burnt prize. In chase of a bark; coming up with her, we found that she was the French bark Senegambia, of Marseilles. Made the island of Flores and Corvo. Sent prisoners ashore off Flores. Chased and captured the schooner Starlight, of Boston, with passengers from Fayal to Flores. This was rather an exciting chase, for after firing a blank cartridge, she still kept on her course, (endeavoring to get shelter under the land.) A shot was then fired across her bow, but without any effect; so a shot was fired between her masts, which had the desired effect. Transferred prisoners and hove to until daylight.

7th. Saw a steamer on weather bow. Read articles of war.

8th.-Landed passengers and crew of Starlight at Flores. Seven sails in sight. Stood out from the land in chase of one, prize schooner following. Came up with her, and found her to be the bark Ocean Rover, of New London, with a valuable cargo of whale oil on board, having been out forty months. Transferred prisoners, stores, &c., and in the evening scuttled her; but, as it afterwards showed, ineffectually, owing to the buoyancy of the cargo.

9th.-Captured bark Alert, of New Bedford. Engaged all day transferring stores for ship's use. Set on fire barks Ocean Rover and Alert and schooner Starlight. Overhauled and captured schooner Weather Gage, of Provincetown. Stood in chase of a bark, and which on boarding proved to be Danish. To this vessel we hoisted American colors and passed as the United States steamer Iroquois. To all prizes we had captured we hoisted English colors, and exchanged them for confederate as soon as the boarding officer gained the vessel's deck.

10th.-Burnt prize and shaped a course for Flores.

11th.-Hove to off Flores, and landed prisoners. The governor paid us a visit. Filled away in chase of a bark, but owing to the darkness lost her.

12th. Fresh southerly wind; very pleasant. Made sail in chase of a vessel; found her to be a Portuguese bark.

13th a. m.-Two vessels in sight; one proved to be a Spaniard, the other a Yankee brigantine, and which of course we captured, taking her crew on board our vessel, and setting her on fire-the Altamaha, of Sippican.

14th, 1.30 a. m.-Gave chase to a sail on lee-bow. 2.30 a. m. fired a gun for her to heave to. Darkness prevented us knowing who she was, so I went on board to examine her papers, and which, if Yankee, I was to signal it and heave to until daylight. What I did on boarding this vessel was the course usually adopted in taking prizes. Pulling under his stern I saw it was the whaling ship Benjamin Tucker, of and from New Bedford. Gaining the quarter-deck, I was welcomed with outstretched hands. In answer to my questions, the captain told me her name, port of registry, &c., &c., all of which I was previously aware. I then told him that he was a prize to the Confederate States steamer Alabama, ordering him to put his clothes in one trunk, allowing the mates and men one bag each-all navigation books and instruments being left behind. At daylight sent the captain and crew with the ship's papers and luggage to the Alabama. I then examined the ship, and finding some cases of stores, they were transferred to our ship. The preparations to fire her were soon made, so that after seeing her well fired we pushed off and regained our vessel, the prisoners (Yankees) being placed in single irons. 15th, light breeze, with heavy swell.

16th.-Land in sight, right ahead, 10.30 a. m. Sail reported right ahead and took possession of her. The schooner Courser, of Provincetown. We then stood toward the land, sent prisoners ashore, stood out to sea, and made a target of prize. After some creditable shooting, we burnt her.

17th.-While at quarters, two vessels reported; bore down for the lee one; 11.20, hove to. She showed Yankee colors; accordingly we took possession. Found her to be the bark Virginia, whaler, of, and twenty-one days from, New Bedford. Obtained late newspapers, containing accounts of victories gained both by the federals and confederates; the former at Baton Rouge; the latter in Missouri. The news, however, was received with doubt, on account of the source from which it emanated; 4 p. m. set fire to prize.

18th.-Two vessels in sight; chased one; proved to be a French brig. Bore away for the other. She evidently not liking our appearance, altered her course and made all sail; a fresh breeze was blowing at the time. Her exertions, however, proved fruitless, for at 12.30 we came up with her; boarded and took possession of bark Elisha Dunbar, from New Bedford, twenty-five days out. In the evening burnt her.

19th and 20th.-Under double-reefed top-sails and try-sails.

Monday, 21st.-Officers and men to muster. On the first Sunday in each month the articles of war were read, and the ship and men every Sunday.