Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, August 7, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In my despatch (No. 201) of the 1st instant, it may be recollected that I reported Lord Russell as making a conditional promise to furnish me with a copy of his letter to the Liverpool merchants, about the uses made by them of the port of Nassau. On the evening of the 4th instant I received a note transmitting the copy, but with a restriction that it was given in confidence. The next day, however, I received a Liverpool newspaper, in which the letter seems to have been inserted by the parties to whom it was addressed. Since then it has appeared in all the London papers. I therefore feel myself at liberty to transmit a copy of Lord Russell’s note and of its enclosure.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,