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. 634.]

Legation of the United States, London, April 1, 1864.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the depart-numbered from 869 to 876, inclusive.

I have not yet been able to see Lord Russell on the subjects already referred to in my No. 632, which went in the extra bag despatched on Tuesday. He has given me an appointment for to-morrow, at 2 o’clock. For the reasons already fully stated, however, I have no great expectation of success just now in any movements I may attempt in the direction indicated. The next month or two will probably be absorbed in the struggle for power, involving, perhaps, a final appeal to the country.

I do not now see how a ministry of either side can conduct any but the most negative policy on the uncertain support that is to be expected from the present House of Commons.

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

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

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