Synthesized answer
The Confederates established agencies in England for the purchase of arms, which were sent to the Bahamas and then transhipped to fast steamers [1]. In June 1862, the vessel "Alabama" was being built by Messrs. Laird and appeared to be intended for a man-of-war [1]. A critical juncture for potential intervention occurred on June 23, 1862, when Mr. C. F. Adams forwarded a letter to Earl Russell containing particulars about the "Alabama" [1]. At this point, the law officers advised that if the particulars were correct, the vessel ought to be detained [1].
Another critical juncture was on July 23, 1862, when the same evidence was laid before the law officers, who then advised that there was sufficient ground for detention [2]. However, due to an unexplained delay, the papers were not returned until July 29, by which time the vessel had already sailed on the evening of July 28 [2]. This delay, likely connected to the illness of Sir John Harding, the queen's advocate, represents a missed opportunity for intervention [2].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
tes on the 13th of April 1861. On the 19th of April President Abraham Lincoln declared a blockade of the southern ports. On the 14th of May the British government issued a proclamation of neutrality, by which the Confederates were recognized as belligerents. This example was followed shortly afterwards by France and other nations. The blockade of the southern ports was not at first effective, and blockade-running soon became an active industry. The Confederates established agencies in England for the purchase of arms, which they despatched in ordinary merchant vessels to the Bahamas, whence…
was laid before the law officers, who advised that, if these particulars were correct, the vessel ought to be detained. On the 21st of July sworn evidence, which was supplemented on the 23rd of July, was obtained and laid before the commissioners of customs (who were the proper authorities to enforce the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act of 1819), but they declined to move. On the 23rd of July the same evidence was laid before the law officers, who advised that there was sufficient ground for detention. By some accident, which has never been satisfactorily explained, but was probably…
rpool in two British ships. Captain Semmes there took command of her under a commission from the Confederate government. After a most destructive career she was sunk off Cherbourg by the “Kearsarge” on the 19th of June 1864. On these facts the United States government alleged against Great Britain two grievances, or sets of grievances. The first was the recognition of the Southern States as belligerents and a general manifestation of unfriendliness in other ways. The second was in respect of breaches of neutrality in allowing the “Alabama,” the “Florida” (originally the “Oreto”, the…
nfriendly utterances of British politicians and the material assistance afforded to the Confederates by British traders. The inclusion of the indirect losses and the other matters just referred to caused great excitement in England. That they were within the treaty was disputed, and it was argued that, if they were, the treaty should be amended or denounced. In October 1872 Lord Granville notified to General Schenck, the United States minister, that the British government did not consider that the indirect losses were within the submission, and in April the British counter-case was filed…
d waters, and as to all persons within its jurisdiction to prevent any violation of the foregoing obligation and duties. The arrangements made by the commission were embodied in the treaty of Washington, which was signed on the 8th of May 1871, and approved by the Senate on the 24th of May. Article 1, after expressing the regret felt by Her Majesty’s government for the escape, in whatever circumstances, of the “Alabama” and other vessels from British ports, and for the depredations committed by these vessels, provided that “the claims growing out of the acts of the said vessels, and…
More questions about this book
- How would you explain the "Alabama" Arbitration's significance, both historically and juridically, using specific details from the text to illustrate its value in averting war?
- Describe the British government's declaration of neutrality in simple terms. What were its immediate practical effects on both the Union and the Confederacy, and how might it have been perceived differently by each side?
- The text notes the "Alabama" was "obviously intended for a man-of-war." Explain the specific legal and diplomatic challenges this posed for Britain, given its proclaimed neutrality, and how the United States consul's actions tried to leverage those challenges.
- Imagine you are a British official reading the consul's letter about the "Alabama" in June 1862. What conflicting interests or underlying assumptions might have influenced the decision-making process regarding the vessel, and what were the potential risks of both detaining and not detaining it?