Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: I regret to state that a serious accident has occurred to the Secretary of State, and that his injuries are so severe as to render it impossible, for the [Page 308] present, that he should give any attention to matters of official business. It is hoped that in a few days he will so far have recovered from its effects as to be able to resume, in some degree, his official duties. Your recent despatches will then be submitted to him. Until that time their consideration is necessarily deferred.
The great events of the week seem to presage the early return of peace, without impairing the foundations of freedom and the Union. In the absence of the Secretary no special instructions are forwarded to you by this mail in reference to the bearing of these events, and I hardly need advise you that there is nothing in the general policy of the department which it is deemed necessary to change.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
(Same, mutatis mutandis, to all our principal ministers in Europe.)