Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir:* * * * *
In my despatch No. 1267 I mentioned that in order to save time I had been preparing a note to Lord Stanley, founded on the instructions in your No. 1835, in anticipation of the reception of the summary which was expected by the next steamer, and which it was supposed it would require more time to copy. But finding on its coming to hand that both it and the despatch were in print, I lost not a moment in transmitting one of the two copies to Lord Stanley, with a brief formal note.
At the same time, however, I asked and obtained an interview with his lordship, in order to learn something as to the prospect of receiving an answer at an early day. The result was pretty much what I expected. His lordship said that the subject was one involving such large considerations that he could not assume the responsibility of acting upon it without much reflection and the aid of the deliberation of his colleagues in the government. At this season of the [Page 204] year they were so much dispersed that it would be difficult to call them together. The Earl of Derby, his father, was either at or on his way to Balmoral, to be in attendance on the Queen, from whence it would not be convenient for him to come to town just now. It was not the practice to resume cabinet meetings until towards the latter end of next month. Hence, if it were not regarded by me as a case of absolute necessity, he should be glad to postpone any response to the paper until that time.
I replied that I had already apprised you of these facts, substantially as his lordship had stated them; for the rest I did not myself presume that an immediate reply was expected. The main purpose was, I suppose, to reopen the subject which had been so abruptly closed by Lord Russell. I trusted that the present government might consider themselves as not foreclosed from doing so, and that thus some result could ultimately be arrived at which would put at rest all further necessity of agitation. I could only express the opinion that on the part of my government there was a disposition to meet any suggestions looking to an adjustment in the most amicable spirit.
His lordship, whilst keeping himself carefully uncommitted, at the same time left upon my mind an impression that he regarded the ministry as not precluded by anything that had gone before from giving the matter careful and anxious reconsideration.
Under these circumstances, and as there is no other business of material consequence in the legation, I have concluded upon taking advantage of the permission kindly granted to me by the President in your despatch No. 1797, of the 7th of July, to spend some weeks in an excursion on the continent. I am the more induced to this by the circumstance that the health of my wife, which has been suffering from the fatigue of the last season, is considered by her medical advisers as absolutely requiring change of air and scene. I purpose to leave this on Tuesday next, the 25th instant, and to remain in Germany or France until about the period when the reply to your despatch may be expected. I do not intend, however, to be at any moment in such a situation as to be out of the reach of early notice, and of the power of prompt return in case of emergency.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.