Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The only events of the week have been the assembling of the first cabinet council of the season, which took place on Tuesday last, and the death of Lord Lyndhurst.
Of the immediate occasion of the call, beyond the ordinary arrangement of the prorogation of Parliament, I have been able to learn little. It is, however, sufficiently apparent that the state of things all over Europe presents questions of intricacy which demand attention, independently of those which grow out of our troubles in America.
* * * * * * * * *
The death of Lord Lyndhurst removes a shrewd and weighty counsellor from the ranks of the conservative opposition. Though for some time physically disabled from action in politics, his clear and restless mind has retained its vigor, and freely communicated its conclusions to those who sought assistance from [Page VII] him. In regard to America, his judgment and his feelings combined to recommend a passive policy to his friends. I have had the pleasure of several conversations with him since I have been here, in all of which, if he did not take what appeared to be absolutely correct views, he at least abstained from adopting the prevailing errors of his associates.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.