Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, October 23, 1867

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered 2072 and 2073.

At an interview which I had with Lord Stanley some days since I gave him the substance of your despatch No. 2049, of the 30th of August, and, at his request, consented to his taking, informally, a copy of it. His lordship has now sent me an unofficial note, covering a confidential memorandum from Lord Mayo on the subject, which he desires may be forwarded to you. I therefore now transmit a copy of it.

The main point involved in your suggestions, whether the government here would accept a passport as evidence of citizenship, seems to be evaded by this reply. I imagine that it is feared it may revive the old question of the right of expatriation, which we had succeeded in putting in abeyance for the time. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,