Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir. The winter has practically broken up our customary correspondence with Europe. It is only at this late day that I receive your despatch of the 5th of January, No. 850.
[Page 99]It is accompanied by a copy of a statement under Earl Russell’s hand of the communication which was had by him with you on the subject of the difficulties which have arisen in Canada; that communication being the same one which you have already reported to me in your No. 856.
In view of that conference and of other incidents which you have mentioned, I approve fully of the forbearance you have since adopted in regard to making, further representations upon the same subject.
It is freely confessed that the proceedings which her Majesty’s government have taken in relation to the Canadian outrages seem to us altogether just and fair. It is to be hoped that the instructions of the home government will so strengthen the hands of the provincial authorities in Canada as to secure to us a surrender of the St. Albans and Philo Parsons felons, in compliance with our requisition, and also a restoration of the treasure which they purloined from the citizens of the United States and placed in the hands of the Canadian police.
It is with sincere satisfaction that we observe that the provincial authorities have begun to act with energy in the spirit of the instructions before mentioned.
I am charged by the President to express to you his special satisfaction with the discreet manner in which thus far you have conducted the proceedings in question. Congress will be favorably impressed by the proceedings-of her Majesty’s government and “those of the provincial authorities. If now the issuing of piratical vessels from Liverpool could bé arrested, we might hope for a speedy restoration of good feeling between the people of the two nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant.
Charles Francis Adams. Esq., &c., &c., &c.