Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of your despatches from the department, numbered 786 to 790, inclusive, together with several printed copies of the list of diplomatic consular officers, on the 1st December, 1863. I shall seize an early moment to pursue the subjects indicated in these despatches with Lord Russell. It is much to be regretted that I cannot find a complete copy of the report of Mr. Mallory, referred to in No. 789, in any of the news-papers. I think, however, there is no doubt of a growing conviction here of the necessity of some decisive action to check the outrageous plots of the rebels and their British sympathizers. I am informed that prosecutions are in contemplation against several of the commercial houses that have been most prominently engaged in promoting their objects. In my opinion, it would be far better for the British government to initiate these than for the United States; but I shall be very glad to confer with Mr. Evarts on that subject so soon as he may arrive here. I look upon the complaints made against Mr. Eastman and Commander Winslow, and the proceedings threatened against the poor men found in and surrendered from the Kearsarge, as simply intended to guard against the appearance of partiality or onesidedness, of which charge there is always more or less apprehension as it regards the United States. The strong evidence which it has been in our power to obtain in connexion with the outfit of the Victor at Sheerness has as yet had only the effect of discharging from the service a few poor mechanics, who were probably guilty of no evil intent whatever, whilst the real authors of the mischief remain untouched, Before this you will have received information of the later representations made by me, which have in a measure anticipated your directions; I shall, however, follow them up in the manner indicated upon every suitable occasion, until I perceive that some preventive policy has been actually adopted.
The struggle is degenerating into a mere effort on the weaker side to do mischief without regard to the means resorted to; considering the manner in which it commenced this is not surprising. The only thing I fear is, that much wrong may be done to non-combatants and innocent parties, who suffer from a reluctance to presume such motives of action to be possible. It certainly cannot be imagined that stealing vessels and plundering private individuals of the profits of a legitimate commerce will have the smallest influence in putting a stop to the war. Shortsighted and vain as have proved thus far all the calculations of the rebel conspirators, they are scarcely yet reduced so low as to expect from a policy of fraud and robbery what they have failed to obtain by making professions of a more exalted purpose.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.