Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The attention of the public is now so fixed upon the approaching festivities connected with the marriage of the Prince of Wales that the interest in other questions is for a time suspended. But for this it can scarcely be doubted [Page 163] that this week’s intelligence from America would have produced a great effect. It is not generally believed here that the French Emperor contemplates any immediate action. The popular outbreak in Poland, coupled with the secret agreement entered into by Russia and Prussia, presents a new subject of more pressing importance, which requires consideration until disposed of, at least so far as to avert the risk of war.
In the meanwhile the embarrassment attending the Mexican expedition is rather on the increase. The accounts do not come so favorable as was hoped. A heavy extraordinary expenditure, incurred many months ago, seriously changing the character of the annual budget, has just been declared, and it must be followed by still heavier demands. It is therefore not at all probable that a new complication will be hazarded, unless with better prospects of support than have yet been held out from the United States. That the French government had been more or less deluded by the solicitation of disloyal people in the city of New York and elsewhere can scarcely admit of a doubt. I am occasionally made aware of the pressure of a similar influence on this side of the channel. This is the greatest danger against which our country has to struggle. But for this disloyal element among ourselves the spirit of the insurrection would have been worn out long ago. I trust that its machinations will fail, and that the success of our arms may yet come in time to save us from its effects.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.