Mr. Adams, to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of a telegram by the cable, dated the 24th instant, directing me to employ legal assistance in behalf of Mr. Burke, at reasonable cost.
Unfortunately, the qualification is a difficult one to construe, for the charges would probably be at once multiplied the moment it was known by whom they were to be borne. Mr. Burke has already had assistance provided for him by his friends. I shall endeavor to place the matter in such a shape that the government will only incur the amount of charge, which will have been agreed upon on the supposition that his friends are to defray it.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.