Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 434.]

Sir: Your attention will doubtless have been drawn to the report of a debate in the House of Lords, on Monday evening, the 15th instant, on the questions raised by the Earl of Clanricarde respecting the action of the United States vessels on the ocean. It will be some cause of satisfaction to you to find both Lord Russell and the Duke of Somerset ready to bear testimony to the fairness of the proceedings of the commanders, and particularly to the deportment of Admiral Wilkes. Considering the predisposition that unquestionably prevails here to find fault with everything done on the part of the United States, it is rather a causes of congratulation to find that the steady policy of the government is gradually compelling testimony to its comity, in the execution of its conceded rights.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.