Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, August 22, 1863

[Enclosure ]

Mr. Adams to Lord Russell about French mediation, August 22, 1863.

Mr. Adams to Lord Russell.

My Lord: I have the honor to communicate to your lordship, under instructions from my government, a copy of a note addressed to Mr. Dayton, the minister of the United States at Paris, by the Secretary of State. I am directed to say that this is done solely out of respect to her Majesty’s government, and for its information, and not from any belief that it has had any purpose or desire to vary from the policy hitherto marked out for itself in regard to the difficulties in the United States. The peculiar circumstances attending the exposition of the views of the Emperor of the French, as made in Parliament during its late session, seem to render it no more than a duty on the part of the President to communicate his opinion that the recent military and naval operations of the United States justify an augmented confidence that the insurrection, if it do not receive new and extensive aid from abroad, must fail. Hence the appearance of an intention to tender such aid, at this moment, could not but be regarded as more likely to increase existing difficulties than to overcome them. Not doubting that this is also the conviction which continues to regulate the action of her Majesty’s government, I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant.