Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Your despatch of February 4 (No. 591) has been received. Later advices inform us that the appeal in the Alexandra case has been dismissed by the court of exchequer chamber. I am awaiting with some concern Mr. Evart’s report upon the subject, and the ultimate probable results.
The blockade amounts practically to a closing of all the insurgent ports, except Wilmington, and the contraband trade there is now so exceedingly abridged that it seems unaccountable to us that Great Britain should not be ready to suppress it altogether, and accept in lieu the restoration of a free and prosperous commerce under the treaties and laws of the United States. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, &c., &c., &c.