Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, July 5, 1866

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1782 to 1790 inclusive.

The interregnum occasioned by the resignation of the ministry still continues and business remains suspended. It is understood that Lord Derby, having failed to obtain the co-operation of the section of the liberal party which occationed the necessity of a change, has determined upon attempting to go on with his own friends only. The list of his cabinet circulating in the newspapers is believed to be substantially correct. It is obvious that this structure can last merely by sufferance of the majority in the commons, who stand without the pale. The course of Mr. Lowe and his friends is plainly to attempt to control the restoration of their own party under conditions rather than to identify themselves with their opponents; but it will, I think, prove more difficult to impose such conditions to bind the advanced section of the liberal party, than to coalesce with the other side. Hence the question may ultimately resolve itself into this: whether the conservatives will consent 10 merge themselves under the lead of the moderate whigs, or the latter will finally abandon their pretensions to the highest places and their ancient name. Thus far it certainly does not seem as if the amount of ability and character enlisted in this venturous enterprise could prove adequate to the task undertaken.

It is possible that by avoiding every topic of a disputed nature and accelerating the day of adjournment of Parliament, this state of things may last until the reassembly in February. Much will depend upon the course of events on the continent. The Prussians now appear to be gaining the ascendant in Germany so rapidly that the interposition of the other great powers may be necessary to save Austria from sinking too low for the general safety. In that event it will become difficult for this country to adhere to its policy of isolation. Lord Stanley is understood to be the type of that policy, and for this reason he has been selected for his particular post. But it is well known that in this he does not represent the true feeling of the party to which he belongs.

Just now there is a tendency in some quarters to draw closer to the United States. It has been made visible in a few of the leading journals that lean to the conservative side. I transmit to you a copy of the Times of yesterday which contains a leader on the national anniversary that may have significance in this connection.

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