Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 12th of February, (No. 596,) together with a copy of the note which, on the 8th of that month, Earl Russell addressed to you on the subject of naval preparations and movements in the interest of American insurgents in the ports of Great Britain. I have already informed you that Mr. Maury’s denial of the authenticity of the report signed by Mr. Mallory, is not here deemed sufficient to discredit that publication.
Earl Russell’s remarks upon the questions he discusses are conceived in a friendly spirit, and we infer from them a purpose to maintain the neutrality laws of Great Britain. Recent proceedings of provincial authorities in Canada, Nova Scotia, and the Cape of Good Hope have manifested the same just determination. I have considered with profound regret his lordship’s remarks upon the necessity which, as he supposes, rests upon her Majesty’s government to regard our insurgents as a belligerent; but I must be allowed to say, that had a different course been pursued, many inconveniences now felt would have been prevented, and that only the persistence of her Majesty’s government in that course hinders and delays the restoration of our relations to a state of mutual friendship, which would be honorable and useful to both countries, and would gratify the friends of peace and humanity throughout the world.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.