Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches numbered from 1280 to 1302, both inclusive, with the exception of 1282, already received and acknowledged on the 17 th instant.
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The most important of these relate to the condition of the relations between the two countries, and to the duty of reiterating to the British government the suggestions heretofore urged as to withdrawing from the rebels the recognition as belligerents so precipitately made by it in the first place. I shall of course seize an early opportunity to obtain an interview with Lord Russell, in order to communicate your views.
The events now passing with such rapidity in America have the effect to vary in equal proportion the state of opinion in this country. The alarmist policy for a time resorted to as a means of upholding sympathy for the rebel cause, of the course of which I have kept you so fully apprised in former despatches, received its first shock in the earlier debate in the Commons on the Canada estimates, and has now pretty thoroughly died away. The final blow was given to it by Mr. Card well, the colonial secretary, when he announced the decision made to abide by the arrangement of 1817 about armament on the Canadian boundary lines. There is now not a word said about the danger of war from the United States. I am told the impression is almost universal that that now waged will soon terminate in our complete success.
Such being the case, there appears to be less necessity for anxiety as to the possible effect of measures adopted on our side upon movements here. The only question left for consideration is one of expediency in regard to the mode of pressing them upon this government. Inasmuch as there is such strong reason to expect before long the question of belligerency to expire by its natural limitation, I cannot but think that this government would be more likely to anticipate a decision if it were left to the appearance of doing so as a voluntary act, than if placed in the light of yielding to dictation. It is not impossible that the fate of the application to Richmond might furnish the opportunity desired. The one great dread of the prime minister, as it regards American affairs, is that of appearing to be bullied. It inspired his whole course of action, as I Well recollect, in the Trent case. It has had great influence in producing the sluggishness with which our remonstrances have been generally met. It is this feeling, shared in some degree by both branches of the English race, that interposes most of the obstructions in the way of their harmony. I shall endeavor to bear this in mind whilst I labor to execute your instructions.
I cannot but view it as quite fortunate for myself that the British government, in sending out Sir Frederick Bruce, has determined to transfer the discussion of the reciprocity treaty to Washington. I confess I should regard a proceeding very ominous of failure with this government which was directed to begin by imposing as an absolute condition upon it the performance of an act having no immediate connexion with the subject-matter of the negotiation.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.