Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I write at the last hour, without having received the mails of the Europa.
The public journals contain the details of the recent surprise of the Mercedita at Charleston, which show that the idea of the insurgents that they had raised the blockade at that port was illusory. The activity of the forces in that vicinity, and also of the forces at Vicksburg, will not escape your attention.
The battle at Fort Donelson was a decided triumph of the Union arms, and greatly strengthens the position of General Rosecrans.
You will receive herewith a copy of a correspondence which has recently occurred between the French minister for foreign affairs and this department, which may be useful to you as an exposition of the policy and purposes of that government.
There is good reason to expect that the important bills designed to enable the President to prosecute the war with vigor and diligence will pass the Congress by decisive majorities.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.