Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, March 5, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: This morning I received despatches from the department, numbered from 473 to 482.

With respect to the instructions contained in Nos. 475 and 476, I shall, for the reasons already given in my former despatches, No. 327 and No. 334, delay acting upon them until the President shall have an opportunity to act on a full survey of all the addresses that are on their way. My own suggestion would rather be that I should have instructions to publish one brief and general reply, the form of which may be furnished to me at the same time. * * * *

I now transmit addresses or resolutions of the same tenor as those heretofore sent, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the 10th ultimo; from the Liverpool meeting on the 19th ultimo; from Huddersfield on the 24th ultimo; from Ashford, in Kent, and from Ashton-under-Lyne, on the 26th ultimo; from the Union and Emancipation Society of Manchester on the 3d instant; from Massley, near Ashton-under-Lyne, on the 4th; and from Leeds on the 24th of February.

From these examples you will perceive that the current of sentiment continues to run strongly in the direction lately taken. * * * *

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