Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, January 24, 1862

Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.

Sir: The only event of any importance connected
with American affairs that has happened during the last week is the
revocation of the orders prohibiting the exportation of arms and
munitions of war. This will release the large quantity of saltpetre in
the hands of parties here, and will probably renew the activity of the
confederate emissaries in forwarding supplies to the insurgents. Mr.
Davy reports to me the arrival of the Bermuda at Hartlepool. Though it
is denied that she is to be despatched again, I am inclined to believe
it only a pretence in order to quiet suspicion. In the meanwhile the
relative position of the Nashville and of the Tuscarora in the harbor of
Southampton remains unchanged. On the other hand, the Sumter, having
been warned to leave Cadiz, has put into Gibraltar, after capturing two
vessels. This tendency to take refuge in British ports is becoming so
annoying to the government here that I shall not be surprised if the
limit of twenty-four hours’ stay be soon adopted.

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