Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, December 29, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: Your very suggestive despatch of December
11 (No. 271) has been received.

It does, indeed, seem paradoxical that the public sentiment of this
country in regard to Great Britain should appear to remain as severe now
as it was heretofore, when no symptoms of melioration of the reciprocal
sentiment of that country towards our own were observable. The solution,
however, will be found, as I think, in the distance that lies between
them. The symptoms of that kind, which you describe, have not escaped
the attention of this government, as, I think, my recent despatches must
have shown you. But they have not yet forcibly arrested the notice of
the press, while the public attention is still entirely engrossed with
the shipment of supplies and arms, and the outfit of piratical vessels
in British ports, and with the flagrant demonstrations of the “290,”
alias the Alabama, on our merchant vessels, and now the reputed escape
of the Oreto from her imprisonment. Still the indication of a reciprocal
change of sentiment here in regard to Great Britain are as manifest to
this government as those on the part of the British government are
apparent to yourself. I hardly need say that every care that can be
properly given by this department to favor a return to the most friendly
feelings between the two countries will be exercised.

* * * * * * * *

The proclamation of freedom to the slaves of the insurgent States will be
promptly issued on the first day of January next; and it seems probable
that a state of things will arise in the Gulf States that will be
calculated to undermine the hopes that have been built there upon
foreign intervention. Finally, we are inaugurating a system of
administration in New Orleans, under Major General Banks, which we
expect will relieve the condition there of much of the uneasiness which
it is supposed affected the disposition of foreign powers.

The military situation remains unchanged since my last despatch. Congress
has taken its recess for the holidays. The financial policy will chiefly
engage its attention when it reassembles.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,