Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, January 19, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: I have before me your despatch of December
25th, No. 281, together with the note written to you by Earl Russell on
the 19th of November last, and also your despatch of January 1st, No.
286, together with the reply which you made on the 30th of December last
to the aforementioned note of Earl Russell. All these papers relate to
the claim which you presented to her Majesty’s government for redress
for the depredations of the “290,” or “Alabama,” and for the adoption of
measures to prevent the occurrence of similar violations of the maritime
rights of this country in future.

You have properly replied to Earl Russell’s note, and cleared up the
argument of the case by a paper which seems to the President as
convincing as it is calm and truthful.

Earl Russell’s argument does not satisfy the President that redress ought
not to be granted to our citizens for the depredations which have been
committed by the “290.” He trusts that your reply may yet induce a
reconsideration of that subject. I therefore leave that branch of the
case at rest until there shall have been an opportunity to hear further
from you upon that subject.

It is not presumed that our anti-enlistment act is defective, or that
Great Britain has ground to complain that it has not been effectually
executed. Nevertheless, the proposition of her Majesty’s government that
the two governments shall confer together upon amendments to the
corresponding acts in the two countries, evinces a conciliatory, a
liberal, and just spirit, if not a desire to prevent future causes of
complaint. You are therefore authorized to confer with Earl Russell, and
to transmit for the consideration of the President such amendments as
Earl Russell may, in such a conference, suggest and you may think proper
to be approved.

You will receive herewith a copy of some treasonable correspondence of
the insurgents at Richmond with their agents abroad, which throws a
flood of light upon the naval preparations they are making in Great
Britain. You will use these papers in such a manner as shall be best
calculated to induce the British government to enforce its existing
laws, and, if possible, to amend them so as to prevent the execution of
the unlawful designs which will thus be brought to their notice in a
manner which will admit of no question in regard to the sufficiency of
evidence.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,