Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, February 17, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: The interval between the reception of your
last despatches and the departure of the mail is too short to permit
full response to your call for information respecting details which
would show the efficiency of the blockade. I send you a copy of a
communication which has been received from the consul general at Havana,
by which you will learn, first, that in view of the extent of the coast
blockaded, and the amount of commerce which existed before the blockade
began, the number of vessels which have run the blockade is very small,
and the trade effected by them is inconsiderable.

Second. That the success of the blockade has continually increased. It is
now as nearly absolutely effective as any blockade ever was.

Third. That far the largest portion of the vessels which have run the
blockade are British vessels.

You need not be told how little care the British government has taken to
discourage or repress that prohibited trade.

But the true test is not the number of vessels that have entered or left
the blockaded ports, but the actual effect of the blockade. I send you
two articles on that subject, which you will find conclusive against all
allegations that the blockade is inefficiently conducted.

Happily the active campaign of our land and naval forces has begun. The
great preparations which have been made so diligently and so carefully
in defiance of popular impatience at home and political impatience
abroad are now followed by results indicative of a complete and even
early decision of the contest in favor of the government.

We entertain too high an opinion of the justice as well as the wisdom of
foreign states to apprehend any intervention in the face of these
significant triumphs of the arms of the Union. As to details, the public
journals which you will receive will be the best despatches
possible.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,