Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Your despatch of the 13th of January, No. 1014, was duly received, but an acknowledgment of it has been delayed by reason of my temporary withdrawal from the department to the sea-shore, in search of health.
The paper gives us, in part, accurate information concerning the general nature of the result of the popular elections in Great Britain. It was especially gratifying to observe that the indulgence of just and generous sentiments towards the United States did not operate to the prejudice of candidates for seats in the House of Commons. This satisfaction has been increased by later accounts comparing the views of the electors which you have expressed with so much confidence.
I desire to forbear from speculating upon the purely domestic aspects of the political situation of the kingdom. It would nevertheless be impossible, as it would be unnatural, not to contemplate with peculiar pleasure the return, in Europe, of sentiments favorable to universal progress in freedom, and the enlargement of free institutions of government throught the world.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c. London.