Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of July 24 (No. 193) has been received. I have anticipated and have already, as I think, met by previous instructions the re-enforcement of prejudices in Great Britain against the cause of the government [Page 173] and of the country resulting from the disappointment of our first demonstrations against Richmond.
I have nothing more to add to those instructions, except to inform you that since their date the reorganization and distribution of our forces have been going on quietly and, I believe, skilfully, with a view to decisive operations; that the three hundred thousand volunteers called for are now corning forward with such alacrity as will probably enable us to dispense with the projected draft, and that the other three hundred thousand provided for by draft will be in the field as soon as they shall be needed. The soldiers of the United States will then be near a million in number. Our naval preparations are going forward with vigor, and I trust that we shall not be unready for any emergency that can happen at home or abroad. The question of the status of the inhabitants in the disloyal States will be speedily resolved as the army advances through their territories, which, perhaps, is as fast as public opinion in the loyal States will ripen to receive it.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.