Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, December 16, 1864

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit an address of the emancipation society of London to the President, which was presented to me by a large and respectable deputation that waited upon me yesterday. A copy of the Star, of this morning, which contains a report of the proceedings, is likewise sent. I am not without serious doubts of the expediency of this sort of thing, and should have no objection to receiving general instructions which anight be used as authority for the minister to decline to receive deputations. As it is, I do not like to take the responsibility of appearing churlish to those who have labored so earnestly and so successfully to maintain friendly relations between the two countries. I can imagine cases in which a minister might find himself much embarrassed by the manifestation of less kindly sentiment.

I likewise transmit two other addresses of the same kind, which have been put into my hands within a few days. I am also notified of the existence of another, from the workingmen, which will probably not be prepared for transmission until next week.

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

[Enclosures.]

1. Address from the London Emancipation Society.

2. The Morning Star, December 16, 1864.

3. Address from New Milas, Scotland.

4. Address from workingmen of South London.