Hammond to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
December 5 1864
Sir,
I am directed by Earl Russell to transmit to you, to be laid before Mr Secretary Cardwell copies of two Reports from the Law Officers of the Crown upon your two letters of the 3rd and 21st Ultimo, relative to the Fines imposed at Port Angelos, Washington Territory, upon the British Steamer "Alexandra", and I am to request that you will state to Mr Cardwell that Lord Russell is about to instruct Her Majesty's Minister at Washington in conformitywithManuscript image with those Reports.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
E. Hammond
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
See the concluding Par of the second Report.
VJ 9 Decr
Mr Elliot
You do not appear to have seen this Paper.
VJ 12 Der
At first the Crown Lawyers recommended a decidedManuscript image representation to the United States Govt in favor of the complainants at Vancouver, but they have since said that it will be desirable first to consult the Legal Adviser of our Embassy at Washington on the state of the American Law. Hence we cannot be sure what will take place, and I think that for the present the proper course will simply be to ackge Governor Kennedy's despatch and inform him that a communication has been made on the subject to HM's Minister at Washington.
TFE 12 Decr
CF 13
EC 15
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Roundell Palmer, R.P. Collier and Robert Phillimore to Earl Russell, 18 November 1864, reporting that after consideration of the issue, they felt the fines levied against the Alexandra were improperly charged and advising that the issue should be brought up with the American government without delay.
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Palmer, Collier and Phillimore to Russell, 20 November 1864, suggesting that in view of further information on the dispute, it might be more prudent to consult with the legal advisor to the British Embassy in Washington prior to approaching the U.S. government.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft, Cardwell to Kennedy, No. 70, 23 December 1864, informing Kennedy that the British diplomat at Washington will approach the United States government about the matter.