Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I.have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 18th of August, No. 759, which gives a report of two further trials for violations of the enlistment laws, in each case with the same result—a conviction by court, followed by a discharge, or a penal obligation not to repeat the offence.
Certainly this mode of proceeding has very little tendency to vindicate the laws or assure the neutrality of Great Britain. Another prosecution, however, is pending, and is expected to be brought to trial very soon. The President will reserve the definitive disposition of the subject until the result of that trial shall be made known.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.