Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

No. 605.]

Department of State, Washington, May 23, 1863.

Sir: Your despatch of May 8 (No. 411) has been received. I have communicated the information it brings to the Secretary of the Navy. It is to be hoped earnestly that the prosecution against the Alexandra may be successful. The blockade at Charleston seems now to be very effectual. The illicit trade through the Rio Grande will receive a severe blow if our military and naval operations on the Mississippi prove successful. Speculations on those operations must soon give way to certainty of some sort.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.