Letter

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, April 3, 1862

Author

Mr. Seward

Recipient

Mr. Adams

Date

April 3, 1862

Type

Letter

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

No. 224.]

Department of State,
Washington,
April 3, 1862.

Sir: Your despatch of the 7th of March (No.
128) was received

Every new instance of running the blockade excites equally surprise and
impatience. The escape of the Nashville from Beaufort was especially
provoking. I can account for the deficiency of steam vessels there only
upon the ground that they were wanted for the emergency then expected at
Norfolk. The late achievement of the Merrimack in Hampton roads at first
perplexed and alarmed all our naval agents and officers. They have,
however, made preparations for her coming out again, and they express
entire confidence in their ability to master her. Meantime the blockade
is actually becoming a siege, which we trust will soon result in
occupation of the insurrectionary ports.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Topics

19th Century Civil War Diplomacy

Sources

FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session Thirty-seventh View original source ↗

U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session Thirty-seventh.