Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 18th ultimo, No. 621, which is accompanied by a copy of your correspondence with Earl Russell respecting the treatment of persons captured on vessels violating the blockade in certain circumstances. In a letter of the 24th ultimo, Mr. Welles has proposed a course with which I have expressed my acquiescence, and which will remove the difficulty indicated in proper cases. It is, that in cases where there is no doubt of persons so captured being aliens, and the neutrality of the vessels in which they were captured is undoubted, to direct their discharge unless they are required as witnesses.
You are at liberty to make such use of this information as your judgment shall approve.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
C. F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.