Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. the Earl of Clarendon, November 21, 1865

Mr. Adams to Earl Clarendon

My Lord: I have the honor to inform your lordship that the notes elicited by the pro posai for a commission to consider classes of claims growing out of the late difficulties in the United States, made by your predecessor, the Right Hon. Earl Russell, in his letter addressed to me on the 30th of August last, have received the careful consideration of my government.

Adhering, as my government does, to the opinion that the claims it has presented—which his lordship has thought fit at the outset to exclude from consideration—are just and reasonable, I am instructed to say that it sees now no occasion for further delay in giving a full answer to his lordship’s proposition.

I am directed, therefore, to inform your lordship that the proposition of her Majesty’s government for the creating of a joint commission is respectfully declined.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient servant,