Charles Francis Adams to William. H. Seward . Secretary of State, Washington, D. C, February 15, 1865

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

Sir. I write this line out of the ordinary course to inform you that yester day Lord Russell invited a conference with him, at which he made an important and friendly communication. The papers in connexion with it, which he said were to be put into my hands, have not yet been received, neither could I report the conversation so fully as I ought to do by this steamer. I therefore confine, myself simply to the expression of a hope that the disposition thus evinced, however late, may yet have an effect in checking the irritation that has been lately growing between the two countries.

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