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. 627.]

Legation of the United States, London, March 23, 1864.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 859 to 868 inclusive.

I shall take an early opportunity to bring to the notice of Lord Russell your observations on the subject of the instructions to me in July last.

The present period of recess in parliamentary duties may furnish a favorable occasion. At the same time it should be permitted to me to observe that the importance of any effect to be produced by action of this kind on the future is somewhat modified by the great probability that the present ministry will go out of office soon on questions wholly disconnected with their policy towards the United States.

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

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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