Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: In respect to the matter referred to in your despatch No. 1485, of the 25th of July, you will before this have been informed by me of the steps which I assumed the responsibility to take in advance of your instructions. The only doubt which I feel is as to the mode of proceeding which I selected, a doubt which is fortified by my general observation of the tendency of all movements conducted by the lawyers of this country on behalf of the United States in British courts. On the other hand, had a direct demand been made upon the British government for the surrender of the vessels in question, I feel very sure that we should only have been thrown back to the same resource in the end. The language of Lord Russell’s notes on the subject appears to me clearly to show that. Inasmuch as you must have been put in possession of a knowledge [Page 453] of the movements actually initiated by me soon after the date of your latest despatches received here, I shall await the communication of your impressions respecting them before writing any more.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.