Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Since the departure of the steamer of last week I have had the pleasure of receiving Mr. Evarts at the legation. I have placed him at once into communication with all the parties hitherto engaged on this side of the water in the preparation of evidence or in giving advice in the matter of vessels fitting out here for the use of the rebels.
In the case of the Alexandra, I am informed, though not from any official source, that her Majesty’s government have concluded to proceed in the first instance against the ship, and not the persons. The case has been removed to the court of exchequer, at Westminster, and is to be tried by a special jury at some period not yet fixed. In a brief conversation I had last evening with the solicitor general on the subject, I found him far from sanguine of success in the undertaking. I presume he will not act. The attorney general may. The enlistment law never was a popular act here. And there are so many strong interests combined to annul its provisions that we shall have to esteem ourselves very fortunate if we can obtain a jury fully disposed to do us justice.
The purchase of steamers for account of the rebels continues to an extraordinary extent. I have reason to believe that they still contemplate a possibility of some concerted operations of an aggressive character to break the blockade, and possibly to recover their foothold at New Orleans or at the mouth of the Chesapeake. But the great effort is unquestionably to forward supplies of provisions and clothing.
There are rumors of another attempt at a loan. But the latest news is not so encouraging. The present one is barely able to sustain itself with every artificial assistance.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.