Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: It will doubtless be remembered by you that at the commencement of the present administration I solicited, wholly for private reasons, to be relieved from longer service at this post. It being, however, thought at that time by the President that my continuance here for a further period was advisable on public grounds, I very cheerfully acquiesced in what could not but be construed by me to be as flattering as it was an imperative necessity.
Nearly three years have since passed away, and matters have become so far simplified in the interval that I am led to the hope that the public considerations which then prevailed to prompt my stay have, in a good measure, lost their force, whilst, on the other hand, the private reasons weighing upon myself have much increased in strength. I am, therefore, encouraged once more to ask of you the favor on my behalf most respectfully to tender to the President this resignation of my place, to take effect, if consistent with his convenience, on or about the first of April next.
For the uniform and steady confidence and support accorded to me during the term of my mission—among the longest in duration of those heretofore sent to this kingdom—I shall ever entertain the most grateful sentiments, as well in regard to the present as to the late President. To yourself, who have been more directly their organ of communication with me, I shall equally retain the strongest sense of my obligations for the unvarying friendliness of spirit in which my efforts to execute the duties imposed upon me have been ever both received and accepted.
I have the honor, to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.