Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, February 26, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I omitted last week much notice of the telegram received from you, as well as of the general news that came by the steamer respecting the alleged interruption of the blockade at Charleston, for the reason that the fiction made no impression whatever on public opinion in this country. A little more success has attended a similar attempt yesterday to create a belief of a serious misunderstanding between Mr. Mercier and yourself. The wish for French intervention is father to the thought. And it is the more cherished by malevolent parties, since the course of opinion here renders the probability less of any such action on this side. * * * * * * * *

On the other hand, sympathy with the Poles would be regarded as in entire harmony with what is called the traditional policy of France, and with the current of popular sentiment. At this precise moment much apprehension is entertained of serious difficulty growing out of these events. But I am inclined to think that no nation is quite prepared to face the possibility of the breaking out of a general war. Hence the efforts to arrive at some form of settlement will be increasing and probably successful. In the mean time, however, the favorable interval should be improved by the military action in America. This is all that is needed to protect us from the possibility of European intervention. I regret to be obliged to confess that thus far the results have not corresponded to expectation. Cases of decided success grow less rather than more frequent, and public confidence in the direction of the war has declined. Were it not for this, I can confidently affirm that by this time few vestiges of sympathy with the rebels would remain outside of interested circles in any part of this kingdom.

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