Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

No. 1203.]

Department of State, Washington, December 26, 1864.

Sir: Your despatch of the 8th of December, No. 830, together with the account of the opening of the case of the Queen against Rumble, under the foreign enlistment act, has been received. We await the end of the trial with deep interest. It is desirable to know whether, in a constitutional government which, devolves the performance of international obligation upon a municipal judiciary, an aggrieved state can obtain at least one just and effective judgment.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.