Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: The new year opens on Sunday; we shall celebrate it to-morrow, Monday; I must, therefore, close the European mail to-day. The land and naval expedition delivered its attack on the 24th and 25th ultimo. The dangerous explosion of the powder-ship was accomplished with complete success, but [Page 74] absolutely without effect. The naval attack on Fort Fisher was eminently vigorous. About four thousand troops were landed safely, leaving as many more on transports. General Weitzel made a reconnoissance, which satisfied him that an assault could not be wisely undertaken. The troops on shore were re-embarked, and the whole land force returned to the James river. Rear-Admiral Porter, who commanded the fleet, seems not to have been convinced that the withdrawal of the troops was indispensably necessary. The fleet, according to latest advices, remains at the mouth of the Cape Fear river. The public mind is disappointed, but not seriously disturbed.
Except in regard to these incidents, the news of the past week are pleasing echoes of the capture of Savannah, by Sherman; the rout of Hood, with his flight across the Tennessee into Alabama; the destruction of insurgent communications and military deposits in eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, by Burbridge; a successful raid from Baton Rouge towards Mobile, and an equally beneficial reconnoissance by Sheridan on the Orange and Alexandria railroad.
We are looking for new military movements, with as little delay as the variable winter weather will allow.
Some of the St. Albans’ felons have been captured in New Hampshire. The Canadian authorities are active, but thus far there has been no delivery of offenders to us for punishment, nor have any judicial proceedings been instituted, to vindicate British sovereignty in Canada.
Congress is still adjourned. I have answered the representative of the Brazilian government in the case of the Florida.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
(Same, mutatis mutandis, to all our principal ministers in Europe.)