Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered from 629 to 634 inclusive, and of a telegram, in cipher, relating to the [Page 352] intercepted correspondence, desired by Mr. Dudley. I learn from him, however, that the original letters, being the only papers that could be of any use in the trial, did not come after all.
No material change has taken place in the condition of things here. Lord Palmerston has recovered sufficiently from his illness to appear in the House, and on Monday he consented to an assignment of Monday next for the continuance of the discussion on Mr. Roebuck’s motion. There is as yet no explanation of the divergency between the statements made by him, and corroborated by Mr. Lindsay, and those authorized by the Emperor of the French. Mr. Roebuck’s advocacy of the rebel cause has done it no good. At the same time, it is not advisable to misconceive the nature of the prevailing sentiment in Parliament, which only awaits a favorable occasion to find expression. I now learn that the latest accounts from America of the apathy of the population of the middle States in resisting the movements of General Lee are hailed as symptoms of the proximate surrender of the United States at discretion. We have heretofore had, during the course of this war, a capitulation of General McClellan, with his army, and one of General Hooker, with his force, but it seems that now comes the turn of the government and people. These are worthy of notice only as indications how much the wish is father to the thought in English society.
The turn which the debate may take on Monday night will depend very much on the news that will be received on Saturday. If it be of a kind to encourage the expression of what is really felt, I shall not be surprised to find it very offensive in some quarters. The opposition leaders are generally disinclined to any demonstrations whatever. Several of them, in reality, rather sympathize with us. But the body of their party continue animated by the same feelings to America which brought on the revolution, and which drove us into the war of 1812. Mr. Roebuck gave expression to them in a manner which rather alarmed the timid, who prefer not to commit themselves to what they have a lurking conviction not to be exactly creditable to the nation. He is, however, entitled to consideration for his honesty and frankness. It is, perhaps, as well for the two countries that there should be no want of evidence on the record to establish the facts as they really are for all future time. I know not where we should be able to look for more forcible arguments in favor of a permanent Union, or the preservation of the requisite means to defend ourselves against the efforts of such palpable malevolence.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c.