Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Your despatch of the 9th of March, No. 889, has been received.
After collating the speculations of the London Times (to which you have directed my attention) with similar utterances which have been made in Paris, I think I understand the object of the authors.
When the news of our late successes arrived in Europe, accompanied by exaggerated and perverted statements concerning the conference held at Hampton roads, it was apprehended that a peace would be hurriedly made by agreement. Neither British commercial interests nor the interests of large political parties in Great Britain could accommodate themselves all of a sudden to the cessation of the strife. French politicians thought that the political situation in Mexico would be embarrassed by so sudden and abrupt a termination of our [Page 294] civil war. It must, therefore, be protracted, if possible; and if not the time must be improved to prepare the European mind for the end. I do not think the strategy is of any serious importance. The war will come to an end, neither the sooner nor the later for all that European politicians may think or wish about it, unless there is actual intervention; and that we do not expect to occur. Factious European combinations to embarrass will not affect results depending upon military and political agencies existing here. In the last twelve days I have seen six hundred deserters, veteran soldiers from Lee’s army, pass up the avenue to the provost marshal’s office and take the oath of allegiance to the United States. The war will come to its end because the rebels are weary of it, but not so soon as we and they wish, or as the enemies of our common country in Europe fear that it will.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.