Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have before me your despatch of December 25th, No. 281, together with the note written to you by Earl Russell on the 19th of November last, and also your despatch of January 1st, No. 286, together with the reply which you made on the 30th of December last to the aforementioned note of Earl Russell. All these papers relate to the claim which you presented to her Majesty’s government for redress for the depredations of the “290,” or “Alabama,” and for the adoption of measures to prevent the occurrence of similar violations of the maritime rights of this country in future.
You have properly replied to Earl Russell’s note, and cleared up the argument of the case by a paper which seems to the President as convincing as it is calm and truthful.
Earl Russell’s argument does not satisfy the President that redress ought not to be granted to our citizens for the depredations which have been committed by the “290.” He trusts that your reply may yet induce a reconsideration of that subject. I therefore leave that branch of the case at rest until there shall have been an opportunity to hear further from you upon that subject.
It is not presumed that our anti-enlistment act is defective, or that Great Britain has ground to complain that it has not been effectually executed. Nevertheless, the proposition of her Majesty’s government that the two governments shall confer together upon amendments to the corresponding acts in the two countries, evinces a conciliatory, a liberal, and just spirit, if not a desire to prevent future causes of complaint. You are therefore authorized to confer with Earl Russell, and to transmit for the consideration of the President such amendments as Earl Russell may, in such a conference, suggest and you may think proper to be approved.
You will receive herewith a copy of some treasonable correspondence of the insurgents at Richmond with their agents abroad, which throws a flood of light upon the naval preparations they are making in Great Britain. You will use these papers in such a manner as shall be best calculated to induce the British government to enforce its existing laws, and, if possible, to amend them so as to prevent the execution of the unlawful designs which will thus be brought to their notice in a manner which will admit of no question in regard to the sufficiency of evidence.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.