Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I learn from your communication that her Britannic Majesty’s government have bought the iron-clads which were detained at Lairds’ ship-yards, and were the subject of judicial proceedings instituted by the crown. Although the ministry have not officially informed us of the purchase, the President, nevertheless, thinks that it will be proper for you to assure Earl Russell that this government experiences a lively satisfaction in the removal of an unhappy occasion of disagreement between the two countries.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c, &c., &c.