Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have received an answer from Admiral Goldsborough to my application to him to know whether he could take charge of the Shenandoah. He appears unwilling to assume that responsibility, unless I expressly desire him to do so; and in case he did, he thinks it likely, from the report he has already made to the Navy Department on the subject, that his arrangements might clash with those which may already have been matured at Washington.
Under these circumstances I have directed the consul at Liverpool, Mr. Dudley, to lay up the vessel at that place until further orders from the proper authorities of the government.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D C.