Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have received and have laid before the President the resolutions which were adopted by the executive of the Union and Emancipation Society at Manchester, on the late anniversary of American independence.
In these resolutions, that respected association acknowledge, with becoming gratitude, that vast progress and signal success have been vouchsafed by the beneficent Ruler of the universe to the loyal citizens of the United States in their struggle for freedom and national unity. They condemn, in terms of fit and just severity, the organization, equipment, and despatch of piratical vessels from British ports, by British subjects, in violation of the law of nations; and they congratulate the President upon the naval victory which resulted in the destruction of the Alabama. The association denounce the massacres which have been committed at Fort Pillow and other places, of negro soldiers of the United States who fell into the hands of the insurgents, as acts of barbarous [Page 226] inhumanity. They express a humane satisfaction with the repeal of the laws for the recapture and restoration of fugitives from bondage. They declare an earnest desire for the speedy establishment of this republic on the firm and lasting foundations of justice and freedom, union and peace; and they expect that these sentiments are the sentiments of the mass of the British people.
These expressions of respect, good will, and affection towards the United States have been received by the President with the most grateful satisfaction. If there were need, the sympathy thus manifested, in a quarter so evidently disinterested and just, would inspire the government and the people of this country with new resolution to rescue their institutions from the dangerous abyss which American slaveholders, conspiring with foreign enemies, have opened before us. You will communicate these acknowledgments to the Union and Emancipation Society in such terms as shall not be discourteous or disrespectful to her Majesty’s government.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.