Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: The past week has been marked by important military successes. Detailed information in regard to the surrender of Fort Morgan has been received. [Page 294] Six hundred prisoners and sixty guns were taken. The entrances to Mobile bay are now in our possession, rendering the blockade effective with a. less number of vessels than heretofore, and enabling the naval to co-operate with the land forces in any attack upon the city itself.
Atlanta has succumbed. On the 1st instant, General Sherman made a successful attack upon the enemy’s principal line of communication. Vigorous efforts were made to regain it. A severe and general engagement followed, resulting successfully to our arms. The victorious army now holds the city, and the enemy, weakened by heavy losses, is reported to be retreating southward. As a centre of railroad communications, and a depot of arms, manufactures, and supplies, Atlanta was a point which the insurgents have deemed it essentially important to hold, and the advantages accruing from its capture are very great.
The force which has been so long menacing an invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania from the Shenandoah valley, having been confronted and checked by General Sheridan, is retreating in the direction of Richmond. General Sheridan’s force is in pursuit, and some captures of prisoners, wagons, and sup- . plies have already been made.
The enlistments under the recent call are, going on, not only satisfactorily but with constantly increasing rapidity, and the re-enforcements thus gained are daily adding to the effective strength of the armies in the field.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Same to other ministers in Europe.]