Message of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress

Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams.

No. 74.]

Department of State,
Washington, August 27, 1861.

Sir: Your despatch of August 8, No. 25, has been received.

The account you have given us of the impression made by the reverse of our arms at Manassas does not surprise me. But there are to be very many fluctuations of opinion in Europe concerning our affairs before the Union will be in danger from any source.

The Insurgents are exhausting themselves. We are invigorated even by disappointment. To-day the capital is beyond danger, and forces are accumulating and taking on the qualities which will render them invincible. The Union armies are preparing for movements which will, in a few weeks, remove the war from the present frontier. The blockade is effective, and is working out the best fruits.

We do not at present depart from that policy, but we are preparing for any emergency in our foreign relations.

The sentiment of disunion is losing its expansive force, and every day it grows weaker as a physical power.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD,

Assistant Secretary.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c..