Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.
No. 162.]
Washington,
November 29, 1864.
Sir: The military situation in Shenandoah
valley remains unchanged. The same is true of the siege of Richmond.
Our information from General Sherman, through rebel channels, is that he
has advanced in a track covering the two great railroads beyond
Milledgeville and Macon, thus far encountering no serious
opposition.
It is understood that the rebels in Alabama and Tennessee are designing
to pursue and harass Sherman. Dispositions have been made by General
Thomas for such an emergency.
The rebel Florida was sunk in Hampton Roads. No communications on the
subject of her capture have been received from Brazil.
The honorable Edward Bates has resigned the office of Attorney General of
the United States. He will be succeeded by the honorable Joseph Holt, of
Kentucky,
I give you a copy of a correspondence that has been held between Mr.
Joseph Parker, of Manchester, England, and this department.
The Asia’s mails are being opened, just at the moment when foreign mail
is being closed.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., Sc., &c.
Mr. Parker to Mr. Seward.
Washington, D.
C., November 26,
1864.
Honorable Sir: I beg to inform you that I
have been deputed to convey to this country an address from the
people of Great Britain and Ireland to the people of the United
States of America. The address was presented to Governor Seymour for
him to present through the proper channel. I was requested
[Page 359]
by him to convey it to the
President of the United States, as the authorized channel of
communication between the people of other nations and the people of
the United States of America. May I, therefore, ask the honor of an
opportunity for so doing?
I am, honorable sir, yours, most obediently,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
Mr. Seward to Mr. Parker.
Department of State,
Washington, November 20, 1864.
Sir: Your letter of this date, stating that
you are the bearer of an address from the people of Great Britain
and Ireland to the people of the United States, has been received.
Before answering the question which your letter contains, it is
desirable to be further informed whether you have authority from the
government of Great Britain and Ireland for the purpose referred to,
and whether your mission has been made known to the diplomatic agent
of that government accredited to the government of the United
States.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
Joseph Parker, Esq., Washington, D. C.
Mr. Parker to Mr. Seward.
Metropolitan Hotel,
Washington, D. C, November 26, 1864.
Honorable Sir: In reply to your letter of
to-day, permit me to state that the address which I have had the
honor of being deputed by the parties signing it to bring to this
country, and containing the signatures of some three hundred and
fifty thousand of my countrymen—from the peer to the artisan—is not
from the government of Great Britain nor from any political party.
It is simply an expression of the earnest desire of the masses of
the people of Great Britain, to see, peace again restored to this
continent.
Waiting your favor, I am, honorable sir, yours, most obediently,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
Mr. Seward to Mr. Parker.
Department of State, Washington, November 26, 1864.
Sir: The government of the United States
cannot receive the address which was mentioned in your notes of this
morning. Your request for an interview with the President to present
the address is therefore declined.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Joseph Parker, Esq., Metropolitan Hotel.
