Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, April 2, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: The reports we receive from China show
that the insurrection there is becoming very formidable, and they leave
it doubtful whether the British and French forces now in China are
adequate to secure the inviolability of the persons and property of the
subjects and citizens of the western powers dwelling in the commercial
cities of that Empire. It is a matter of deep regret to us that our
troubles at home render it hazardous to withdraw a part of our great
land and naval forces from operating here, and send them to China to
co-operate with the forces of the allies there. As you are well aware,
the continuance of the insurrection in the United States is due to the
attitudes of Great Britain and France towards our country. It would seem
to be desirable for those two states to have our co-operation in China
in preserving a commerce of vast importance to them as well as to
ourselves. That co-operation we could give if we were relieved from the
necessity for maintaining a blockade and siege of our southern ports.
Moreover, the question may well be asked, Where is this tendency to
insurrection, which Great Britain and France seem to us to be
practically, although unintentionally, fostering, to end? It breaks out
in the Levant; it grows flagrant on the China coasts; it even lifts up
its head in France. Is it not the interest of all great maritime states
to repress, or at least to discourage it? The President does not expect
you to make any special or formal suggestion of these views to the
British government, but it seems to him that you may properly use them,
incidentally, with advantage in your intercourse with the British
government and British society.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,