Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I am not prepared to recognize the right of other nations to object to the measure of placing artificial obstructions in the channels of rivers leading to ports which have been seized by the insurgents in their attempt to overthrow this government. I am, nevertheless, desirous that the exaggerations on that subject which have been indulged abroad may be corrected. I have, therefore, applied to the Navy Department for information, and I have now to inform you that between the channels leading to the harbor of Charleston which have been so obstructed there still remain two other channels, neither of which has been so obstructed, and in which there has been no design to place any artificial obstructions. These are the Swash channel and a part of the so-called Mafftt’s channel. These two latter channels are guarded, and passage through them prevented only by &c.,. [Page 37] the blockading naval forces. Evidence of these facts is furnished you in an extract from a report of the flag-officer at Port Royal, hereto appended.
The question which I have thus noticed, happily, is likely soon to drop out of view in the course of stirring events. Within a very short period we expect to be in occupation of all or the chief southern ports, and we are already considering how we can afford desirable facilities to foreign as well as domestic trade.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.