Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams
Department of State,
Washington,
March 1, 1865.
Sir: On the 13th of February last a rebel
emissary in Canada wrote in cipher to Jefferson Davis, or some
subordinate acting under him, what is appended to this despatch. Judge
C. means Clement C. Clay.
I give you this paper for your information. It is important that no
publicity be given it, for two reasons: first, the safety of the person
from whom ray information is derived; second, the importance of
concealing our knowledge of the rebel cipher. You will make such use of
the facts as you shall find advantageous. The revelation throws some
light upon the late rebel proposals to U3 for conference.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq.
[Same to Mr. Bigelow.]
(Rebel emissaries to Jefferson Davis.—(In
cipher.)
Answers have been received from the government agents in France and
England to the letters of Messieurs Clay and Thompson in reference
to the proposition sent here from home, and hence to England,
namely, on what terms assistance or recognition could be obtained,
and enclosing Judge C.’s direction here before he left. We send the
purport. Both agree with Judge C. in disapproving of any concession
to European power, even accepting protectorate; also agree in
believing better terms could be obtained in the manner suggested by
him (Judge C.,) and, in accordance with authorities, endeavoring to
learn what would be their action should the course proposed be
followed.
The matter was treated in England in the usual unsatisfactory,
non-committal manner, but in France M. B. very promptly remarked
that no such alliance and course between the two American countries
would be permitted by Europe; and again, a few days afterwards, in
confidential interview, said his sovereign would punish any attempt
on the part of the United States to pursue the Monroe doctrine, and
that if it could be made sure the federal government would accept
such an offer from the States in revolution, and there were
sufficiently fair prospects of the inauguration of such course, and
this made the issue of non-intervention, his sovereign would not
hesitate to recognize our country as a nation.
In fact the bait seems to have taken there just as Judge ——
anticipated. The letters urge that —— of this nature be made to the
Yankee government, and efforts —— made to draw them into suchto
their delay.
The letters almost reiterate argument sent them by C, who certainly
must now have nearly —— home and will be with you to explain, so we
refrain from sending original documents, fearing capture.
Acknowledge receipt by advertisement.
I now sign this by numerical combination.
