Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, May 31, 1861

Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.

Sir:

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I have likewise to acknowledge the reception of a printed circular
addressed to my predecessor, Mr. Dallas, and dated the 27th of April,
1861, transmitting the proclamation of the President declaring the
blockade of the ports of Virginia and North Carolina. In this connexion
it may be as well to call your attention to the manner in which these
measures are viewed here, so far as it may be gathered from what is
casually dropped by members of Parliament as well as what is published
in the newspapers. A leading article in the Times newspaper of this
morning is especially deserving of attention. It would seem from this
that a scheme to overturn the old and recognized British law of
blockade, through the means of a joint declaration of the European
powers, somewhat after the fashion of the armed neutrality of the last
century, is among the things now floating in the minds of people here.
Great Britain, so long known and feared as the tyrant of the ocean, is
now to transform herself into a champion of neutral rights and the
freedom of navigation, even into the ports of all the world, with or
without regard to the interests of the nations to whom they may
belong.

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I beg to call your attention to the language used by Lord John Russell
and by Mr. Gladstone in the debate in the House of Commons last evening,
in relation to a passing remark of Sir John Ramsden upon American
affairs on the preceding Monday. They indicate what I believe to be
true, that the feeling toward the United States is improving in the
higher circles here. It was never otherwise than favorable among the
people at large. I was myself present and heard Sir John Ramsden on
Monday night. His remark was partially cheered by the opposition, who
were ready to receive anything favorably from a new convert; but I have
reason to believe that it met with decided condemnation from a large
majority of the members. The proof of this was established last night in
the manner in which the castigation of Mr. Gladstone, which I also
witnessed, was listened to and approved. Sir John seems to have gained
no laurels in this conflict. The ministry sustained themselves in the
division last night, which is, I presume, the decisive test for the
year. I believe this may be regarded as a favorable result to the United States. I shall reserve
some general observations on the subject for a separate despatch in the
early part of next week.

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