Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr. Adams to Mr Seward.

No. 624.]

Legation of the United States, London, March 18, 1864.

Sir: In regard to the subject-matter of your despatch No. 849, of the 18th of February, I took advantage of a late opportunity informally to present it to the consideration of Lord Russell. He said that his attention had already been drawn to the question by Lord Lyons. He thought that the difficulty apprehended by Mr. Welles might be obviated by making exceptions in certain cases, which was a contingency provided for in the terms of the Queen’s proclamation. I said that I would report this remark as his answer.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.