Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: On my casually meeting with Lord Clarendon at a reception on Saturday evening, I seized the opportunity to remind him that I had not yet heard from him in answer to the proposal furnished through me of your protocol transmitted with your despatch No. 1737, of the 10th ultimo.
His lordship replied by pleading the impossibility of getting anything ready in time for the steamer of that day. This he stated to be in consequence of the multiplied cabinet meetings on the reform measures, intended to be laid before Parliament, and, perhaps, of the duties imposed by the threatening aspect of matters on the continent. His lordship, however, at once communicated to me the substance of the decision of the government, which is to send out authority to Sir Frederick Bruce to proceed in conjunction with you, after consultation with the respective provincial authorities. This had been thought the better course, as the latter had now substantially reached such a position of independence as to make it unadvisable for the government here to attempt to act without regard to them. I understood him to say, what two other members of the cabinet had [Page 120] previously intimated in conversation with me, that they entirely approved of the measure proposed by you.
Inasmuch as Lord Clarendon asked whether I would take this conversation as sufficient official notice, and I agreed to do so, I am bound to believe that I shall get no other. Hence I make the above report.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.