Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Despatches from the department, numbered from 762 to 774, inclusive, have been received this week at the legation. There has been no event of importance in connexion with American affairs. The public mind is becoming gradually affected by the accounts that are permitted to reach here of the state of the insurgents at home. Confidence in their ability to sustain themselves is declining. * * * * * * * *
Thus far the ill-disguised sympathy with the rebellion has been rather the breaking out of an instinct among the privileged classes that somehow or other their personal interests may be involved in the issue, than the result of any process of reasoning. It still remains stronger than ever. Circumstances thus far have not been favorable to a consolidation into any form of action. And they seem to grow less rather than more so. But the passion that prompts it survives in force. The true mode of counteracting its effects is to be found in the success that may crown the efforts at complete restoration in the United States. It is, therefore, to that point that the friends of liberal institutions here, as indeed all over the world, look with the greatest interest. Thus far the signs are full of hope. But the greater half of the task remains yet unaccomplished The war is evidently drawing on to its termination. The popular unanimity that has carried it forward to its present stage will doubtless [Page 40] continue as long as needed. It remains to be seen whether a pacification can be effected on such broad principles that the great ends of the war may be attained without essentially affecting the foundations of the system of government. This is the question, a happy settlement of which is indispensable to the future welfare, not merely of the people of the United States, but the friends of free institutions the world over.
In this sense many persons are awaiting with anxiety the exposition which it has been intimated that the message of the President, at the opening of the session of Congress will contain of the prospective policy of the government to meet the emergency.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.