Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams; (same to Mr. Dayton, No. 501.).

No. 868.]

Sir: We hear that the Canada was partially disabled on her way to Halifax. Owing to this accident I am without any official information of European events of a date more recent than the 13th of February.

We have no official reports from General Sherman; but we have reason to believe that he has broken up all the railroads in western Mississippi, and thus given a new security to our occupation and control of the Mississippi river.

Our cavalry have made two bold and dashing expeditions, one in the west [Page 309] and the other in the east. Although they have effected less than they hoped, the results attained are important. It is certain that Longstreet is retiring. The position we have gained in East Tennessee, so valuable in the great strategy of the war, seems to be thus relinquished to us by the insurgents. Their pretended congress has adjourned, after having adopted measures of an extreme character, by which all the property and all the people of the insurrectionary States are intended to be placed at the unrestricted control of the clan which remains at Richmond. Not time enough has elapsed to enable us to form a judgment whether these means will enfeeble or reinvigorate the insurrection. The election of governor in Louisiana was held upon the principles avowed in the President’s proclamation of amnesty, and was attended with great success.

The latest news received from Mexico gives us reason to believe that the already reduced forces of the government are to be further demoralized by faction. It is said that Vidauri is disloyal to the republican government, and is demanding a resignation from the president, Juarez, with a view to the institution of General Ortega in his place, to be followed by a compromise with the French.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Chas. E. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.