Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir. A great change is taking place in the impression here of the issue of the American struggle. I had occasion to observe it on Wednesday evening, the first time of any revival in society in the present season. This is not brought about entirely by the public news. Throughout the war there has been a constant passing and repassing of private individuals of both nations, whose reports have always had much effect on opinion in private circles here. [Page 161] In previous years these reports have tended to confirm the cherished impression of the ability of the rebels to maintain their original position. I have reason to believe that this season there is a marked change. Indeed, the accounts of the exhaustion of the country, as they come to me indirectly from these sources, far exceed the most exaggerated estimate published in our newspapers. As there is no imputing this testimony to hostile feeling, it carries with it the more weight. This is made visible even in the columns of the London Times, which has materially changed its contemptuous and flippant style of criticism. I now find it policy, admitted to have been to stimulate a disruption of the United States, freely condemned, and the failure to adopt the precise opposite point quite as freely lamented, in some quarters where no such sentiments have been uttered before.
Under these circumstances I cannot but think the policy to be adopted towards Groat Britain from this time forward as of no little consequence to the future well-being of both nations. Much cause as we have to be indignant with the greater part of the governing class, for the very gross manner in which they have betrayed their partiality to our disadvantage, it is fitting to remember that another, and not inconsiderable, portion of the nation has steadily persevered, against all discouragement, in upholding our cause. Our victory will be equally their triumph. It will react very largely upon their popular elections. The ministry itself, though failing in the element of courage, has, for the most part, aimed to be friendly. It has steadily discountenanced every overture from abroad to a different course of action. I am not sure that at one moment a slight variation, stimulated by some of the adverse influences within it, might not, if unrestrained, have led to a material modification of our present prospects of success. In any event it would have imposed much greater difficulties in our way. It may be well to keep all these considerations in mind, in regulating the extent to which our just irritation might carry us. In proportion as we arrive at the term of our immediate struggle will be the necessity of being prepared to meet a new emergency. The general fear now is that the domestic reconciliation will be simultaneous with a foreign war. It may have the effect even to interpose new obstacles immediately in our way. It is important, if possible, in some indirect way, to soothe these alarms. I trust I have done no more than my simple duty in making these representations.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William. H. Seward. Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.