Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The despatch No. 186, of the 17th of February, transmitting a list of vessels that have been engaged in efforts to run the blockade, has come just in time to add to the materials collected from other sources in advance of the discussion which Mr. Gregory, the member for Galway, proposes to commence in the House of Commons to-night. I much regret there is no full official list from the Navy Department of all vessels turned off or captured. [Page 45] In view of the late course of events, the temper of the people, as well as of the higher classes, grows less and less disposed to interference, so that I regard the sentiments expressed in Parliament, whatever they may be, with very little apprehension. It may be depended upon that, without the occurrence of some very extraordinary event, the government of the United States will not be further molested in its efforts to conduct its experiment of reducing the rebellion, according to its own plan, to some definite result. I think I can say this with more confidence now than at any previous period of my residence here.
But if this be the favorable view of our position in England, it is to be kept in mind, on the other hand, that nearly all of the aid which the rebels obtain to protract the war comes, either directly or indirectly, from people in Great Britain. The newspapers no longer pretend to conceal the fact of outfits constantly making of steamers from the port of Liverpool with the intention to break the blockade. A large proportion of the vessels in the list from the department, already alluded to, appear to be British. The Bermuda has just gone on her second trip, filled with the heaviest cargo of cannon and military stores yet despatched; whilst the nominal destination of the Oreto to Sicily is the only advantage which appears to have been derived from my attempt to procure the interference of the government to stop her departure. How long this business will be continued, in the face of such discouraging news as has been lately coming over the Atlantic, it is difficult to say. The plain fact in any event remains, that the only preventive policy against what is still doing must be found in the vigilance of our naval cruisers. It might be of use if official intelligence of the captures made by them could be promptly forwarded to this legation, for it is not safe to put confidence in mere newspaper statements. It is the popular idea that the blockade is not effective which stimulates many of the ventures.
Having received notice of the departure of the Oreto for Palermo, I immediately wrote to Mr. Marsh, at Turin, to apprise him of her destination, and likewise to Mr. Sprague, the active consul at Gibraltar, in order that he might establish his communications with the various officers in the Mediterranean as to her ulterior movements. I am glad to hear to-day from him of the arrival at Cadiz of the Kearsarge.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.