Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of November 6 (No. 531) has been received. I have read with admiration the reply of the clergy of Scotland to the insurrectionary ministers of America. It is written in the true spirit of the church universal in the period of its purest administration.
In the beginning of the civil war we determined that it should be not the government, but the insurgents, that should carry their cause before foreign nations, if such a scandal must come. We did not doubt that our position would be all the more promptly and successfully vindicated, by thus waiting for the [Page CXII] inevitable assault from foreign enemies instigated by domestic emissaries; while at the same time we maintained the national dignity and sovereignty against foreign interference, without concession or compromise.
It must be pleasant for you, as it is for the President, to observe in such proceedings as that of the Scottish clergy, the thick crowning evidences of the correctness of this course of administration.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
C. F. Adams, Esq., &c, &c., &c.