Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The only event of any importance connected with American affairs that has happened during the last week is the revocation of the orders prohibiting the exportation of arms and munitions of war. This will release the large quantity of saltpetre in the hands of parties here, and will probably renew the activity of the confederate emissaries in forwarding supplies to the insurgents. Mr. Davy reports to me the arrival of the Bermuda at Hartlepool. Though it is denied that she is to be despatched again, I am inclined to believe it only a pretence in order to quiet suspicion. In the meanwhile the relative position of the Nashville and of the Tuscarora in the harbor of Southampton remains unchanged. On the other hand, the Sumter, having been warned to leave Cadiz, has put into Gibraltar, after capturing two vessels. This tendency to take refuge in British ports is becoming so annoying to the government here that I shall not be surprised if the limit of twenty-four hours’ stay be soon adopted.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.