Charles Wilkes & Co.: U.S. on the Brink of War with Britain Over the Issue of Slavery

The Trent Affair 

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Above: the sword presented to Charles Wilkes by the city of Boston for 'twisting the lion's tail in the 'Trent Affair'

The 'Mason-Slidell' Affair, which nearly resulted in war with the English,during the American Civil War, is best described by the documents:

Journals of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865
WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1861.OPEN SESSION.
Congress met pursuant to adjournment.
Prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. J. C. Davis.
The Journal was read and approved. Resolved..

That it is the sense of Congress that representatives of this Confederacy should proceed, as soon as possible after the inauguration of the President, to the Courts of England and France and other European powers, to represent the interests thereof.
Mr. Boyce moved to amend the amendment by adding after the words "should proceed" the words "in secret mission."

Consequent to the above resolution,Mr. Slidell and Mr. Mason  were appointed as 'consuls'  to the courts of France (Napoleon III) and Great Britain (Queen Victoria)

Queen Victoria of Britain

U. S. CONSULATE-GENERAL, Havana, October 17, 1861, Maj. WILLIAM II. FRENCH, Commanding Military Station, Key West. SIR: The following telegraphic dispatch unfortunately came to my hand after the Nonpareil had left the harbor. It is from the U. S. consular agent at Cardenas and dated last evening: The steamer Theodora has just entered this port under the flag of the Southern Confederacy. She comes from Charleston; brings passengers, and among them it is said the French consul and his family. I will communicate any other information that may reach me. Respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, THOS. SAVAGE, U. S. Vice- Consul- General. U. S.

CONSULATE-GENERAL, Havana, October 17, 1861. Maj. WILLIAM H. FRENCH, Key West. SIR: Since mine of this date announcing the arrival of the Theodora at Cardenas I have seen a private letter from that place advising that Mr. Mason and Mr. Slidell have come in her on their way to Europe as commissioners of the rebels at France and England. * * * Respectfully, yours, THOS. SAVAGE, Vice- Consul- General. 

NEW YORK, October 30, 1861. Hon. G. WELLES: By dispatches from Havana by our steamship Columbia we learn that the steam privateer Theodora, formerly the steamer Gordon, of Charleston, had arrived at Havana with a full cargo, and landed Slidell and Mason with their families.. 

 SPOFFORD, TILESTON&CO.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. SIR: I have written to you relative to the movements of this ship from Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba. There I learned that Messrs. Slidell and Mason had landed in Cuba and had reached the Havana from Charleston. I took in some sixty tons of coal and left with all dispatch on the 26th of October to intercept the return of the Theodora; but on my arrival at the Havana on the 31st I found she had departed on her return and that Messrs. Slidell and Mason with their secretaries and families were there and would depart on the 7th of the month in the English steamer Trent for Saint Thomas on their way to England. I made up my mind to fill up with coal and leave the port as soon as possible to await at a suitable position on the route of the steamer to Saint Thomas to intercept her and take them out. 

 I then went over to Key West in hopes of finding the Powhatan or some other steamer to accompany me to the Bahama Channel to make it impossible for the steamer in which Messrs. Slidell and Mason were to embark to escape either in the night or day. The Powhatan had left but the day before and I was therefore disappointed and obliged to rely upon the vigilance of the officers and crew of this ship and proceeded the next morning to the north side of the island of Cuba, communicated with Sagna la Grande on the 4th, hoping to receive a telegraphic communication from Mr. Shufeldt, our consul-general, giving me the time of the departure of the steamer. In this also I was disappointed and ran to the eastward some ninety miles, where the old Bahama Channel contracts to the width of fifteen miles some 240 miles from the Havana and in sight of the Paredon del Grande Light-House. There we cruised until the morning of the 8th awaiting the steamer, believing that if she left at the usual time she must pass us about noon of the 8th and we could not possibly miss her. At 11.40 a. m. on the 8th her smoke was first seen. At 12 m. our position was to the westward of the entrance into the narrowest part of the channel and about nine miles northeast from the light-house of Paredon del Grande, the nearest point of Cuba to us. We were all prepared for her, beat to quarters, and orders were given to Lieut. ID. M. Fairfax to have two boats manned and armed to board her and make Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis and Macfarland prisoners and send them immediately on board. (A copy of this order to him is herewith inclosed.) The steamer approached and hoisted English colors. Our ensign was hoisted and a shot was fired across her bow. She maintained her speed and showed no disposition to heave to. Then a shell was fired across her bow which brought her to. I hailed that I intended to send a boat on board, and Lieutenant Fair- fax with the second cutter of this ship was dispatched. He met with some difficulty and remaining on board the steamer with a part of the boat’s crew sent her back to request more assistance. The captain of the steamer having declined to show his papers and passenger list a force became necessary to search her. Lieut. James A. Greer was at once dispatched in the third cutter also manned and armed. Messrs. Slidell and Mason, Eustis and Macfarland were recognized and told they were required to go on board this ship. This they objected to until an overpowering force compelled them; much persuasion was used and a little force and at about 2 o’clock they were brought on board this ship and received by me. Two other boats were then sent to expedite the removal of their baggage and some stores when the steamer, which proved to be the Trent, was suffered to proceed on her route to the eastward and at 3.30 p. m. we bore away to the northward and westward. The whole time employed was two hours and thirteen minutes. I inclose you the statements of such officers who boarded the Trent relative to the facts and also an extract from the log book of this ship. It was my determination to have taken possession of the Trent and send her to Key West as a prize for resisting the search and carrying these passengers whose character and objects were well known to the captain, but the reduced number of my officers and crew and the large number of passengers on board bound to Europe who would be put to great inconvenience decided me to allow them to proceed. Finding the families of Messrs. Slidell and Eustis on board I tendered them the offer of my cabin for their accommodation to accompany their husbands. This they declined, however, and proceeded in the Trent. Before closing this dispatch I would bring to your notice the notorious action of her Britannic Majesty’s subjects, the consul-general of Cuba and those on board the Trent in doing everything to aid and abet the escape of these four persons and endeavoring to conceal their persons on board. No passports or papers of any description were in possession of them from the Federal Government, and for this and other reasons which will readily occur to you I made them my prisoners and shall retain them on board here until I hear from you what disposition is to be made of them. I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the admirable manner in which all the officers and men of this ship performed their duties and the cordial manner in which they carried out my orders. To Lieutenant Fairfax I beg leave to call your particular attention for the praiseworthy manner in which he executed the delicate duties with which he was intrusted. It met and has received my warmest thanks. After leaving the north side of Cuba I ran through the Santaren Passage and up the coast from off Saint Augustine to Charleston, and regretted being too late to take a part in the expedition to Port Royal. I inclose herewith a communication from Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis and Macfarland with my answer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES WILKES, Captain. U. S. STEAMER SAN JACINTO, At Sea,

 TRENT, At Sea, November 9, 1861. Captain PATEY. SIR: There devolves on me the painful duty of reporting to you a wanton act of aggression on this ship by the U. S. war screw-steamer San Jacinto, carrying a broadside of seven guns and a shell pivot gun of heavy caliber on the fore-castle, which took place on the 8th instant in the Bahama Channel abreast of the Paredon Light-House. The Trent left Havana at 8 a. m. on the 7th instant with Her Majesty’s mails for England, having on board a large freight of specie as well as numerous passengers, amongst whom were Messrs. Mason and Slidell, the former accredited with a special mission from the Confederate States
to the Government of Great Britain and the latter to the French Government, with their respective secretaries, Messrs. Macfarland and Eustis. Shortly after noon on the 8th a steamer having the appearance of a man-of war but not showing colors was observed ahead hove to. We immediately hoisted our ensign at the peak but it was not responded to until on nearing her at 1.15 p. in. she fired a round shot from her pivot gun across our bows and showed American colors. Our engines were immediately slowed and we were still approaching her when she discharged a shell from her pivot gun immediately across our bows, exploding half a cable’s length ahead of ns. We then stopped when an officer with an armed guard of marines boarded ns and demanded a list of passengers, which demand being refused the officer said that he had orders to arrest Messrs. Mason, Slidell, Macfarland and Eustis and that he had sure information of their being passengers in the Trent. Declining to satisfy him whether such persons were on board or not, Mr. Slidell stepped forward and announced that the four persons he had then named were standing before him under British protection and that if they were taken on board the San Jacinto they must be taken vi et armis, the commander of the Trent and myself at the same time protesting against this illegal act, this act of piracy carried out by brute force, as we had no means of resisting the aggression the San Jacinto being at the time on our port beam about 200 yards off, her ship’s company at quarters, ports open and tompions out. Sufficient time being given for such necessaries as they might require being sent to them these gentlemen were forcibly taken out of the ship and then a further demand was made that the commander of the Trent should proceed on board the San Jacinto, but as he expressed his determination not to go unless forcibly compelled likewise this latter demand was not carried into execution. At 3.40 we parted company and proceeded on our way to Saint Thomas, on our arrival at which place I shall deliver to the consul duplicates of this letter to Lord Lyons, Sir Alexander Milne, Commodore Dunlop and the consul-general at Havana. I have, &c., RICHARD WILLIAMS, Commander, Royal Navy, and Admiralty Agent in Charge of Mails.

FOREIGN OFFICE, [London,] November 30, iSGI. [Lor4 Lyons, &c., Washington.] My LORD: In my previous dispatch of this date I have instructed you by command of Her Majesty to make certain demands of the Government of the United States. Should Mr. Seward ask for delay in order that this grave and painful matter should be deliberately considered you will consent to a delay not exceeding seven days. If at the end of that time no answer is given, or if any other answer is given except that of a compliance with the demands of Her Majesty’s Government your lordship is instructed to leave Washington with all the members of your legation, bringing with you the archives of the legation and to repair immediately to London. It; however, you should be of the opinion that the requirements of Her Majesty’s Government are substantially complied with you may report the facts to Her Majesty’s Government for their consideration and remain at your post until you receive further orders. You will communicate with Vice-Admiral Sir A. Milne immediately upon receiving the answer of the American Government and you will send him a copy of that answer together with such observations as you may think lit to make. You will also give all the information in your power to the governors of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Jamaica, Bermuda and such other of Her Majesty’s possessions as may be within your reach. * * * I am,& c., LRUSSE LL.

Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives December 2, 1861. Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to present to Capt. Charles Wilkes a gold medal with suitable emblems amid devices in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his good conduct in promptly arresting the rebel ambassadors James M. Mason and John Slidell. 

NEW YORK, December 22, 18G1. E. S. SANFORD, President American Telegraph Company: 

The steamship Arago from Havre, via Southampton on the 11th instant, passed Cape Ilace at 6 o’clock Saturday evening en route to New York. Her dates are three days later than those per the America. General Scott is passenger by the Arago. His health much improved. The London Times’ Paris correspondent says that the official opinion of the British minister on the outrage perpetrated by the San Jacinto on the Trent is most precise and positive, namely, first, that the violence committed by the captain of the San Jacinto is indefensible; second, that by regarding the commissioners, Messrs. Mason and Slidell, as contraband Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet contradict themselves for they refused to admit they were aware of their presence. The various military stations in Ireland had been ordered to complete their strength of sixty-nine regiments of the line. The British Government is negotiating for steamers to transport troops to Canada. The London Times of the 10th instant says advices by the Niagara encourages hope of a disavowal by the Cabinet at Washington of the San Jacinto outrage and a surrender of the southern commissioners. ROBERTS.

[Note: Wall St. sank with the impending possibility of war with England loomed]

LANCASTER, OHIO. Notember 28, 1861. The PRESIDENT. 

SIR: I do not think it wise policy for the United States to insist on extending the rights of belligerents over neutral vessels on the high seas, consequently we ought not to vouch as authority previous aggressive acts of England at a time when she was a swaggering bully on the ocean and insist on them as supported by international law, for if we do our mouths will be closed when England as a belligerent hereafter (and such she will be ten years to our one) shall stretch the law against us to the same point. If she remonstrates and makes reclamation the proper mode in my judgment is to let her lay down the law—agree to any proposition she may lay down favorable to neutral vessels, their cargoes and passengers. Say to her: “You have not habitually conformed to these rules and may possibly trespass them hereafter. The law must be the same to us both now and in all future time. We will make a treaty with you declaring and settling as international law the principle which you now propose anti when settled by treaty we will let it embrace this case and fully conform to it.” The proposition that she must lay down will be that a neutral vessel cleared at one neutral port and bound to another is not liable to search and seizure under charge of carrying contraband of war; or in more general terms that under these circumstances the neutral vessel is entitled to the same immunity as neutral soil. I think this position a sound one. It is at all events for the permanent interest of the United States that it should be settled as the law of nations if it can be definitively so settled. But England will not agree to it. If the proposition be made to so settle it by treaty she will equivocate, diplomatize and finally waive her claim. I am, very respectfully, yours, T. EWING.

[Note: T. Ewing was foster father and father-in-law to William Tecumseh Sherman, brother of Senator John Sherman, and adviser to Lincoln.]

Sir,
I have never, under any circumstances, presumed to offer any advice, as to men or measures, to those who have succeeded me in the administration of the Government; and I beg of you to consider the few crude suggestions which I am now about to make, as mere hints from one who will feel no mortification, personally, if they should be wholly disregarded.
I can in some measure appreciate the difficulties with which the administration of the Government is now embarrassed by this unholy rebellion; for I heard the muttering thunder, and viewed the gathering storm at a distance in 1850; and while I approve most cordially of the firm stand which you have taken in support of the constitution, as it is, against insane abolitionism on one side and rebellious secessionism on the other, and hope and trust that you will remain firm; yet, it was not to speak of this that I took up my pen, but of a new danger which threatens more immediately our Northern frontier, but in its consequences, most fatally, the whole country. You of course must anticipate that I refer to a threatened rupture with England;1 for if we are so unfortunate as to be involved in a war with her at this time, the last hope of restoring the Union will vanish, and we shall be overwhelmed with the double calamities of civil and foreign war at the same time, which will utterly exhaust our resources, and may practically change the form of our government and compel us in the end to submit to a dishonorable peace.
I trust you will pardon these suggestions, which are made on the spur of the moment, without consultation with, or the knowledge of, any one; and may remain in confidence between us if you prefer that they should.
I am with sincere respect &
great haste, Truly yours
Millard Fillmore

The llustrated News account of the Trent Affair. Wilkes is at the top.

Lincoln to Seward:

 "One war at a time."

The four persons in question are now held in military custody at Fort Warren,in the State of Massachusetts. They will be cheerfully liberated. Your lordship will please indicate a time and place for receiving them. I avail myself of this occasion to offer to your lord ship a renewed assurance of my very high consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

WASHINGTON, December 27, 1861. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, &c. SIR: I have this morning received the note which you did me the honor to address to me yesterday iii answer to Earl Russell’s dispatch of the 30th of November last relative to the removal of Mr. Mason, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Macfarland and Mr. Eustis from the British mail packet Trent. 1 will without any loss of time forward to Her Majesty’s Government a copy of the important communication which you have made to mc. 1 will also without delay do myself the honor to confer with you personally on the arrangements to be made for delivering the four gentlemen to me in order that they may be again placed under the protection of the British flag. I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient humble servant, LYONS.

From Charles H. Middleton to Abraham Lincoln [With Endorsement by Lincoln, forwarded to Seward]
Washington D. C. Dec 30th, 1861.
A case has come to my knowledge which it may or may not be important for you to notice This point I purpose respectfully to give you an opportunity of deciding upon yourself by stating the facts connected with it.
I hope and believe that this act the motives prompting it being good can produce no injurious effects and that if it be deemed impertinent that the motive will furnish a ground of acquittal.
There is in Washington a man so near purely a white man that no person unacquainted with his antecedents would suppose he was ever identified with slavery but he was a slave and escaped to Canada where he has been made by residence and due legal form a British subject which he has papers to prove from the Canadian Authorities endorsed by the American Consul.
The matter which I wish to bring to your notice is -If he is arrested under the Fugitive Slave Law as he can be by proper arrangement would or would not Lord Lyons, upon the mans presenting his papers, demand his release? And what would be the result?
Here, the question takes its importance and presents complications to embarrassing for me. If I thought the man would be returned to slavery I should blush for this act, as he is only nominally any thing but a white man, but if a way is seen clear to give him up to Lord Lyons I think he would be rather an unpleasant companion to Mr. Mason, the author of the Fugitive Slave Law, and quite a check to Mr Mason's purposes in England..

Being in the same category with this man excepting his former relation to slavery. I make this communication with the hope of serving the countrys good and in perfect secrecy. If desired further particulars will be given and matters so conducted that no preconcert be discovered.
My reason for addressing your personally is that all others may be ignorant.
I must respectfully beg before closing, that this may give no offence.
With the highest respect
Charles H. Middleton
It may be proper for me to state that I think I am known to the Post Master General as a man not likely to do any thing which I thought in the remotest degree improper and therefore if there be any impropriety in this act I hope it may be attributed to my want of better knowledge and an overzeal to sustain this Administration.
No allusion is made as to who this is to be directed to with the intention of connecting no one with it.
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What thinks the Sec. of State, of the within?
A. Lincoln
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The Secretary of State thinks that the scheme proposed would be injudicious.
William H Seward

[Note: There were many Charles Middletons, including an English author and an African Canadian whose identity would fit the allusion above: "Being in the same category with this man excepting his former relation to slavery".

Mason had personally authored the universally hated Fugitive Slave Act, which made every American a felon who did not actively assist in the apprehension of former slaves. The above proposal would have exposed in the most naked fashion, the slave ties of Mason and severely compromised his English protectors. Lincoln no doubt thought the proposal as amusing as its author did, and it would have suited both Sumner and Wilkes superior, Gideon Welles, both of whom felt that war with England over its support of the secessionist slavers, was inevitable, if the condition of the country was not so dire.]

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