Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of February 27, No. 123, has been received. I have communicated to the navy the information it gives concerning the Oreto.
The occupation of so many of the southern ports having been effected by our forces, and all of the others being now effectually invested, I apprehend that the illicit traffic which has been so flagrantly carried on from British ports will come to an end.
It is difficult for us to understand here why the maritime powers in Europe do not at once rescind their decisions concerning belligerent rights to insurgents who cannot send forth or receive one single vessel either for purposes of war or of commerce.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.