Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1902 to 1905, inclusive, and of a printed circular of the 5th instant, in regard to the duties on French vessels.
A volume containing the correspondence between Lord Russell and myself, touching the cases of the Alabama and Shenandoah, has been issued from the press this week. It appears to have been compiled by his lordship apparently tor the purpose of sustaining himself against the growing impression in this kingdom that his treatment of the subject was not wholly satisfactory. The most material omission seems to be that of your despatch No. 1612, of the 30th of November, 1865, which I read to Lord Clarendon, the insertion of which would seem to be called for by that of his lordship’s answer to it through Sir Frederick Bruce. With the exception of the appendix, and two or three notes of reference to it, there is no appearance of any wish to bias the reader’s judgment of the simple text. Deeming it possible that this volume might be of use to you, I have the honor to transmit three copies herewith.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.