Such being the opinion of our men
learned in the law, we have determined to do no more than to
order the _Phaeton_ frigate to drop down to Yarmouth Roads
and watch the proceedings of the American within our
three-mile limit of territorial jurisdiction, and to prevent
her from exercising within that limit those rights which we
cannot dispute as belonging to her beyond that limit.
"In the meanwhile the American captain, having got very drunk
this morning at Southampton with some excellent brandy, and
finding it blow heavily at sea, has come to an anchor for the
night within Calshot Castle, at the entrance of the
Southampton river.
"I mention these things for your private information.
Yours sincerely,
PALMERSTON[406]."
Not completely satisfied with this decision as reported to Delane, and
sincerely anxious to avert what he foresaw would be a difficult
situation, Palmerston took the unusual step of writing to Adams on the
next day, November 12, and asking for an interview. His note took Adams
by surprise, but he promptly waited upon Palmerston, and was told of the
latter's disturbance at the presence of the American ship _James Adger_,
Captain Marchand commanding, in Southampton Harbour, with the alleged
purpose of stopping the British West India steamer and intercepting the
journey of Mason and Slidell.
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