Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: The Arabia’s mails have not been received, although the hour for the departure of the post to meet the outgoing steamer has arrived.
There is no certain news, though in the main encouraging reports come from the Mississippi. The demonstration on Charleston is delayed by reason of casualties that befell some of the machinery at sea. The promptest possible means have been taken to repair the difficulty.
Confidence is manifestly reviving in the country, and unmistakable signs of exhaustion appear in the insurrectionary region.
You will not give credit to newspaper statements about a decision in no case to employ private armed ships. The President, as you might well imagine, considers—he does not yet decide.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.