Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have your despatch of February 21, No. 19, which informs me, first, of the progress of the debate in Parliament concerning the alleged inefficiency of our blockade. I have already treated, sufficiently, I think, upon that subject. I will add, however, first, that I am credibly informed that the commander of the French fleet in our waters inspected the blockade, and thereupon stated to Mr. Mercier that it is as effective as it could be made by any navy in the world. Second, Memphis newspapers publish telegrams from New Orleans which state that gold is at a premium there of 60 to 65 per cent.
[Page 46]The other topic presented in your despatch is an assumption in England that the government of the United States favors the continuance of slavery, while the insurgents are seeking to win foreign support by taking measures for its melioration and ultimate removal. I have hitherto insisted, and I shall persevere in insisting, that slavery here, although admitted to be a world-wide interest, is, as between ourselves and the insurgents, a domestic question. For this reason I declined to invoke or excite foreign prejudices against the insurgents on the ground that they were attempting to set up a republic in our midst upon the foundation of perpetual slavery, in opposition to the federal government which rests upon the basis of the political equality of all men. So now, if it were true that the two parties had changed positions, I should still insist that the controversy is one in which no foreign judgment could be invoked, for foreign interference on grounds of sympathy or favor towards domestic parties is subversive everywhere of national sovereignty and independence. Nevertheless, the allegation of such a change is utterly groundless in regard to both parties. If the government of the United States should precipitately decree the immediate abolition of slavery, it would reinvigorate the declining insurrection in every part of the south; and, on the other hand, if the insurgents at home would avow the policy of opposition to slavery which their emissaries abroad are understood to make pretences to, the insurrection would perish for want of its necessary aliment, namely, opposition to abolition.
The President’s recent message to Congress will probably produce a sudden change in the tactics of the emissaries, and we may safely wait for them to appear in some new attitude.
I fall back upon the ground assumed in my recent despatches. There is no need for further losses and sufferings in Europe by reason of our domestic troubles, and consequently no need for a continuance of the disturbance of relations between the maritime states of Europe and ourselves. Let the governments of Great Britain and France rescind the decrees which concede belligerent rights to a dwindling faction in this country, and all their troubles will come to a speedy end.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.