Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: With a view to the better understanding of the merits of the cases of such persons, claiming to be citizens of the United States, as may have been or may hereafter be arrested in Great Britain, upon charges or suspicion of complicity in hostile proceedings against that government, you are requested to do what may be practicable towards having this department furnished promptly, through our consuls or otherwise, with a copy in each case of the minutes of any judicial proceedings or examinations which may be held.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c. &c., &c.,