Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 461.]

Legation of the United States, London, July 30, 1863.

Sir: No despatches have been received at this legation since the date of my last. I have a letter from Mr. Irving, despatch agent at New York, dated the 15th instant, communicating to me the contents of a telegram received from you, announcing the fall of Port Hudson and other military successes. The effect of this intelligence has been very great here. On Monday the London Times was compelled to admit the surrender of Vicksburg. A panic has since happened among the holders of the rebel loan. The feeling of regret at the course of events is very general. At the same time, there is mixed with it a little of self-gratulation at the escape from committal on Mr. Roebuck’s motion.

Parliament was prorogued on the 28th instant by a commission. I have the honor to transmit a copy of the Queen’s speech. The language is as guarded as usual.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.

The speech of the Lords Commissioners to both houses of Parliament, on Tuesday, July 28, 1863.

[Extract.]

My Lords and Gentlemen: * * * The distress which the civil war in North America has inflicted upon a portion, of her Majesty’s subjects in the manufacturing districts, and towards the relief of which such generous and munificent contributions have been made, has in some degree diminished, and her Majesty has given her cordial assent to measures calculated to have a beneficial influence upon that unfortunate state of things.

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