Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of May 14, No. 412, has been received.
I approve entirely of your disposition of the matter of answers on the part of the President to the addresses which have been made to him by British subjects in their popular assemblies. I have the pleasure to add that the replies which have already been made have seemed to give satisfaction in this country, as we perceive with gratification that they are deemed not unsuitable to the occasion in Great Britain.
The prejudice that we found prevailing in England soon after the civil war began, to the effect that this government desired to challenge Great Britain to a war, for popular effect at home, has been inveterate. It is pleasing, however, to discover that at last the equally prudent and just policy we have so constantly pursued is beginning to be appreciated by the British government. No one has done more to correct the injurious error referred to than you have done.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.