Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, November 29, 1861

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the copy of a note addressed by Earl Russell to me on the 26th instant, in reply to mine on the subject of the revocation of Mr. Bunch’s exequatur. I likewise subjoin a copy of my note addressed to him in answer. I have confined myself almost entirely to those portions in which his lordship calls my positions into question, and have left his declarations of future intentions to be dealt by the government if it be deemed worth while to continue the discussion. Other matters are so constantly occurring of a more imperative nature as to render this of very secondary consequence. It is plain, from the turn which has been taken in the newspapers of this morning, that the law officers of the crown have modified their original position so far as to deny the right of the United States government to take out persons when they do not take papers and things. In other words, Great Britain would have been less offended if the United States had insulted her a great deal more. There is little reason to doubt that the same steamer which bears this will carry out a demand for an apology and the restoration of the men. I confess that the turn things have taken has given me great anxiety for the fate of my unhappy country. But I shall await with resignation the instructions which will probably close my mission.

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