Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: It is proper for me to say that I receive from a credible source intimations that some of the escapes from the blockade are known here to have been effected by connivance and bribes to the officers commanding United States vessels. I know not myself how to account for some of the statements current here in any other way. I feel it my duty to make this representation without meaning to implicate any person in particular, only because the prevalence of such rumors in this country do much harm to the national character.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.