Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, January 15, 1863

Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of
despatches from the department, numbered from 433 to 436, inclusive, and
a note dated the 26th of December, relative to Major John Foley.

With respect to the instructions to bring the question of Scheldt dues to
the notice of her Majesty’s government, as mentioned in your No. 436, of
30th of December, I shall avail myself of the first opportunity to
mention the subject to Lord Russell, without asking a special conference
for that alone.

There is little or no change to notice in the state of things here. The
returns of the revenue for the year are regarded as highly encouraging
in respect to the general condition of the country, and there are some
indications that even in the distressed districts the number of
unemployed persons is steadily diminishing.

The intelligence of the issue of the President’s proclamation has had a
decided effect in concentrating the opinions of the friendly party here,
whilst it has, to a corresponding extent, provoked the anger of the
abettors of the rebellion. The lines are becoming more and more clearly
drawn. As Parliament is to assemble for the despatch of business in less
than three weeks from this time, this question becomes of considerable
importance. There is a general impression abroad that the ministry may
not be averse to accept an issue which will involve a dissolution and an
appeal to the country. But the better opinion seems to lean the other
way. Still it is very certain that the fact of the possibility of the
happening of such an event at any moment is making the members of the
House of Commons more and more sensitive to the currents of popular
opinion. I notice that the tone of most of those who now address their
constituents is becoming rather more than less cautious as it regards
America. In this emergency some military successes at home might have a
very decided effect in turning the scale in our favor. At this moment we
are awaiting the issue of the conflicts pending at Murfreesboro’ and
with quite as much of fear as of hope. It seems quite unaccountable that
with such a great disparity of forces between the two sides as
unquestionably exists, this advantage seldom seems to be brought to bear
decisively for us.

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