Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 483.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
August 27, 1863.
Sir: On a close examination of your despatch
No. 667, of the 29th July, I discovered not a little difficulty in
executing the duty there imposed upon me.
The note to Lord Russell, a copy of which is transmitted, was the result
of my most careful reflection. I trust that it may be considered to have
answered the purpose.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward.
Secretary of State, &c.
[Enclosure ]
Mr. Adams to Lord Russell about French mediation, August 22,
1863.
Mr. Adams to Lord Russell.
Legation of the United
States, London,
August 22,
1863.
My Lord: I have the honor to
communicate to your lordship, under instructions from my
government, a copy of a note addressed to Mr. Dayton, the
minister of the United States at Paris, by the Secretary of
State. I am directed to say that this is done solely out of
respect to her Majesty’s government, and for its information,
and not from any belief that it has had any purpose or desire to
vary from the policy hitherto marked out for itself in regard to
the difficulties in the United States. The peculiar
circumstances attending the exposition of the views of the
Emperor of the French, as made in Parliament during its late
session, seem to render it no more than a duty on the part of
the President to communicate his opinion that the recent
military and naval operations of the United States justify an
augmented confidence that the insurrection, if it do not receive
new and extensive aid from abroad, must fail. Hence the
appearance of an intention to tender such aid, at this moment,
could not but be regarded as more likely to increase existing
difficulties than to overcome them. Not doubting that this is
also the conviction which continues to regulate the action of
her
[Page 406]
Majesty’s
government, I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the
highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my
lord, your most obedient servant.
Right Hon. Earl Russell, &c., &c., &c.
