Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of August 21 (No. 477) has been received, and I have the pleasure of communicating to you the President’s approval of your proceedings, in laying before her Majesty’s principal secretary for foreign affairs the additional information therein mentioned in relation to the two armed vessels which are being prepared at Laird’s ship-yard, for hostilities to the United States. Notwithstanding this government is strongly predisposed to believe the assurances of her Majesty’s ministers of their determination to maintain a proclaimed neutrality, it is impossible to regard without surprise and deep concern the maturing of these hostile armaments, without the least evidence of any purpose to prevent their departure from the shores of Great Britain.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.