Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress, Part I

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

No. 900.]

Legation of the United States, London, March 17, 1865.

Sir: I have received a letter from William Blanchard, esq., consul of the United States at Melbourne, giving an account of the arrival at that place of the steamer now called the Shenandoah, and lately the Sea King. It is not unlikely that she may next turn up in the Pacific, if she can hold together long enough.

Of all the experiments of the rebels to uphold their cause, I know of none which seems to have been more expensive and more unsatisfactory than the attempt to organize a navy. It may have gratified a spite, but the indulgence of ill temper never of itself established a nation. Could that alone have done so, the confederates would long since have been recognized everywhere.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.