Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, May 15, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive from the department despatches numbered from 237 to 241, both inclusive; likewise a telegraphic despatch, dated the 1st instant, containing the welcome intelligence of the capture of New Orleans, which I immediately communicated by telegraph to Mr. Dayton. The intelligence was received here with such general incredulity that even my announcement of the official confirmation scarcely dispelled the doubts. The cause of this possibly may be that it dissipated many illusions indulged in of late on very small foundations I now transmit the copy of my reply to Lord Russell’s note, a copy of which is already on its way to you, with my despatch No. 158, of the 9th instant. Since that date I have received a note from his lordship, dated the 10th, in answer to mine addressed to him on the 8th, to which I felt it my duty to make a rejoinder on the 12th instant. Copies of these two notes likewise accompany this despatch.

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