Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

No. 1197]

Department of State, Washington, December 21, 1864.

Sir: I have received your despatch of November 25, No. 819, in which the detention of the Great Western is the principal topic. I have also received the reports of Mr. Dudley, our consul at Liverpool, concerning this case.

I think it will be sufficient for the present to make a statement of the case, founded upon Mr. Dudley’s reports, and ask an explanation.

We have yet to hear from the owners of the vessel.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.