Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered from 1108 to 1111, inclusive, together with a letter from the Secretary [Page 337] of the Treasury, and a copy of the Political History of the Rebellion, by Mr. McPherson.
In accordance with the desire expressed in No. 1109, of the 3d of October, I have caused a copy of the letter of the librarian of Congress enclosed in it to be sent to Mr. Panizzi, of the British Museum.
There is little to note in the record of passing events for the last week. The efforts to despatch vessels and arms to the rebels continue unabated, and there are constant rumors of projects to fit out ships-of-war. But it seems to me that experience has shown so little to be gained by any adventure of the kind, in compensation for the heavy outlay, that I much doubt whether the energies of the managers will be bent in that direction. The greater probability is of some attempt at concentration in force at Wilmington, in order, if possible, to keep open the only remaining avenue for their supplies. Perhaps some collateral aid may be hoped for from occasional predatory cruisers from that port.
I perceive that great efforts have been made at Liverpool to raise money for the assistance of the rebels by way of a fair, or bazaar. The names of several ladies of the nobility, both French and English, are published as patronesses. It is not unnatural that a privileged class here should endeavor to contribute aid to alleviate the sufferings of those who are contending in America to maintain ill-gotten rights over their fellow-men. The object is declared to be purely charitable. In my view, the better charity is that initiated by a wholly different set of persons in this country, to aid those in the same region who are suffering from their efforts to escape from oppression. Sympathy with slaves has ceased to be the fashion in Great Britain ever since slavery has ceased to be a pretext for reproach of America.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.