Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception from the department of despatches numbered 677, and from 684 to 687, inclusive. On a re-examination of the files, I find that No. 676 has not yet been received.
[Page 421]The intelligence received here of the effect of the operations against Fort Sumter and Charleston has made much sensation. It seems to be the signal for a revolution in public opinion, which may become complete if the sequel of the military news should continue like the beginning.
Notwithstanding the notice in the Post of Tuesday, and the official communication to me of the decision of the government to prevent the departure of the war vessels at Liverpool, of which I apprised you in my last despatch, forwarded out of course by yesterday’s steamer, there seems to have been a singular delay in making the matter generally known to the public. The Times of this morning contains a leader predicated upon the supposition that no action has yet been taken, yet evidently designed to prepare the public mind for something of the kind in the end.
Lord Russell does not appear to have been in London on Tuesday, the day of the date of his note. I infer that either it was prepared here by an understanding with him previously agreed upon, or that he dictated it by telegraph from Scotland. The form seems to have been chosen to dispense with the necessity of a signature.
But a still more significant manifestation of the altered tone of the government is to be found in the speech made by Lord Russell, at the opening of the new park at Dundee, yesterday, a report of which is published in the newspapers of this morning. He seems to have rather gone out of his way to take up the subject, in order to announce the policy of the government. You will not fail to observe the greatly increased firmness of his language, and more especially his intimation that new powers may be solicited from Parliament, if those now held should prove insufficient. This is, at last, the true tone. I confess that I have more hopes of our prospect of being able to preserve friendly relations than at any moment since my arrival in England. Unless some new and untoward event should occur to make other complications, I see no barrier of a serious character to our continuance in peace.
There is, however, still one very large and formidable steam vessel on the stocks at Glasgow, which I am led to believe to be intended for the rebels. Mr. Dudley, the consul at Liverpool, reports five others, of smaller dimensions, in preparation there likewise. As yet we have not obtained any evidence upon which to rest a remonstrance against their departure. Efforts will, however, be made, which, in conjunction with the more decided tone of the government, may possibly deter the builders from proceeding in their work. Nothing will do more good, however, in Europe than a few more accounts of what is done by General Gillmore’s cannon. They are as effective in dispelling illusions as in breaking down the material resistance of brick and stone. We anxiously await the later reports.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.