Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, January 12, 1865

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered 1195 and from 1197 to 1211 inclusive.

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I have the honor to transmit a copy of the London Times of the 11th instant, containing a long communication from the writer who signs himself Historicus. Thus far the British policy has had the practical effect of giving to the insurgents the privileges without entailing upon them much of the responsibilities of a belligerent. This has tempted them to encroach somewhat beyond the power of endurance. It is a little unlucky for this government that it is driven by the rebels to manifest resentment just at the moment of the most marked decline of their power. For this reason I doubt whether much earnestness can be expected in its action. It is, nevertheless, something of a symptom that the Times is willing to open its columns to so unequivocal condemnation of their proceedings. Whatever may be the effect of it on the government, it will be useful in checking the tendencies of a large class of readers of that newspaper, as well as of the provincial papers which habitually follow its lead. The chances now are that under the late blows the aristocratic sympathy with the rebels as a righteous cause may shrink into rather small dimensions. That which commenced in an attempt to perpetrate upon the intelligence of Europe a fraud of the most flagrant character will scarcely fail in the long run to betray its true nature through acts that defy all excuse.

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