Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have laid before the President your despatch of March 26, (No. 355,) which communicates the debate in the House of Lords on Lord Campbell’s question concerning recognition of the insurgents; that of March .27, (No. 356,) which relates a long, free, and friendly conversation had between yourself and Earl Russell on the general subject of our relations with Great Britain; that of March 27, (No. 357,) which gives us the two notes which have passed between his lordship and yourself touching the fitting out of certain armed vessels in Glasgow; and that of March 28, (No. 359,) which gives us the debate held in the Commons on the inquiry of Mr. Forster concerning the hostile naval operations of British subjects against the United States.
The pleasing impression made by the first three of these papers is so nearly removed by the latter as to render it difficult for this government to accept as reliable the expectations of a more favorable course on the part of her Majesty’s government which you so very reasonably built upon Earl Russell’s explanations. Nevertheless, the President has determined to pursue the course of prudence and moderation which you have suggested, until it shall be ascertained whether we may expect any action on the part of her Majesty’s government to prevent the hostilities with which we are menaced by British subjects.
The state of the case seems to be this: The United States, laboring under all the difficulties of their situation as a foreign sovereign, unable in a friendly country to put into activity the laws and proclamations of that country which are designed to prevent aggressions by British subjects upon American commerce on the high seas, appeal to her Majesty’s government to enforce those laws. On the other hand, her Majesty’s government avow their willingness to enforce the same laws, provided they are first furnished with evidence which would probably lead to the conviction of the offenders.
The line which divides the two nations is one which it would seem might be removed by their governments, each of which is acting in good faith and with a desire that justice and only justice shall be done. It has seemed to the President that an American lawyer of learning and experience, and yet at the [Page 246] same time distinguished for good temper and courtesy, might be useful to the legation in its consultations with such British counsel as you may employ, and also in preparing papers or proofs. With this view William M. Evarts, esq., of New York, will proceed to London, and will place himself in communication with you, instructed to institute nothing and to do nothing except what you may think it useful for him to do. Lord Lyons, who has been consulted on the subject, and who manifests a very friendly desire for the removal of the present difficulty, will probably write to Earl Russell in relation to Mr. Evarts.
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I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.