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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

No. 860.]

Department of State, Washington, March 2, 1864.

Sir: I recur to your despatch No. 595. There is neither any occasion nor disposition here to question the wisdom or propriety of your proceedings in regard to my despatch of July 11. Events justified your sagacity in reserving it. On the other hand, no considerations which now occur to me could have excused this department for withholding the instruction from Congress and the public.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.