Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despach of the 7th of July, (No. 736, ) and to thank you for the remarks which it contains concerning the debate then pending in Parliament. I agree with your inference that the spirit manifested by the opposition in regard to the United States was evidently more belligerent than the spirit which they indulged towards the European powers which have recently given umbrage to Great Britin. Nevertheless, I cannot resist the conviction that this difference was due in some degree to the fact that the possible European collision was deemed imminent, while the apprehension of collision with the United States was regarded as more distant and uncertain. Notwithstanding all the conciliatory proceedings of this government, it cannot be doubted that the American people, even in their present disturbed condition, would accept a war forced upon them by Great Britain less reluctantly than they would have done at any previous period since 1815. I find it hard to believe that an opposition ministry could succeed if it was understood that they would force or provoke a war with the United States. Certainly, in the event of such a war, the alliance of Great Britain with the south would reunite this country and impart new vigor to this government. Let us hope, however, that the course of events, as well here as in Europe, will relieve us of the necessity for providing against European intervention.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c..