Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Your despatch of the 10th of November, No. 1082, has been received It gives us information of the unexpected arrival of the Shenandoah in the port of Liverpool, of an informal conversation, which you held with Lord Clarendon on that subject, of your guarded request by note in writing for her delivery to this government, with the cautious suggestions you made in the same note to his lordship concerning the restoration of the spoils found on board the vessel, and the interest which the United States must feel in bringing to condign punishment her officers and crew.
The despatch also brings authentic though unofficial information that the Shenandoah has been delivered to our consul at Liverpool; a copy of the note referred to is appended to your despatch, and also a copy of a vague note written in reply to your note by Lord Clarendon.
I observe that Lord Clarendon, in his reply, promises that in a future communication he will give immediate attention to the points which were made in your before mentioned note. It seems not only becoming upon considerations of [Page 667] courtesy, but also important in reference to the gravity of the occasion, to reserve an examination of these new proceedings of her Majesty’s government in regard to the Shenandoah until we shall have been favored with the exposition which Lord Clarendon promises. I confine myself, therefore, to a consideration of your own proceedings in the matter, as made known to us by your despatch; we learn from the United States consul at Liverpool that these proceedings were taken in concurrence with his advice.
Such is the President’s confidence in your tried and proved discretion, that he does not hesitate at once to acknowledge himself completely satisfied with your proceeding requesting the surrender of the vessel. This point being settled, I take great pleasure in saying that the terms in which that request was made are deemed proper and judicious.
Waiting further developments in regard to the whole matter, I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.