Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, May 3, 1866

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Immediately after the reception of your despatch No. 1737, of the 10th of April, I applied to Lord Clarendon for an interview, and obtained one on Tuesday. I then submitted to him the draught of a protocol on the fishery question, premising with some observations as to the probability that he might already have been prepared in a measure for an immediate decision by his information received from Sir Frederick Bruce. His lordship said that such was not the fact—the thing was wholly new to him. On a first glance he rather liked the proposal, but he could not give any opinion without consultation with his colleagues; he must, therefore, take it ad referendum, and would let me know the result at an early day. I then gave him a copy, since which I have had no further intelligence from him. But last evening I casually met with Mr. Cardwell, the head of the Colonial Office, and he at once referred to the matter with great satisfaction; said that he had already himself suggested something of the same kind, and intimated that Lord Clarendon would soon communicate to me a favorable answer. This answer may now be in preparation. It is not unlikely that I may get it before the end of the week, when the steamer sails; in which case I shall make to you a further report on the subject.

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