Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, March 1, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: * * * *

When, in November, we thought we had reason to apprehend new and very
serious dangers in Europe, the subject was taken into consideration by
the President at a full meeting of the cabinet. It was understood that
the insurgents were represented abroad by a number of active,
unscrupulous, and plausible men, who manifestly were acquiring influence
in society, and in the press, and employing it with dangerous effect,
and it was thought that such efforts could be profitably counteracted by
the presence in London and Paris of some loyal, high-spirited, and
intellectual men of social position and character. We considered that
the presence of such persons there, unless they should act with more
discretion than we could confidently expect, would annoy and possibly
embarrass our ministers abroad. It was decided that hazard must be
incurred in view of dangers which seemed so imminent. All our individual
sensibilities must give way in time of public peril. The persons
selected were thought to be among the most prudent and considerate in
the country. When all our agents and friends abroad, consular as well as
diplomatic, official and unofficial persons, united in warning us of a
serious danger which they thought was to happen on the meeting of the
French and British legislatures, respectively, I thought it might be
well for Mr. Motley to be at London to confer and co-operate with you. I
wrote to him that if he could it was desirable he should go there, but
in everything to consult with you and take directions from yourself. I
desire you to understand that these proceedings in no respect imply any
want of satisfaction with your conduct in your most important mission.
The President and the cabinet are perfectly unanimous in approving of
all your proceedings as the very best in every case that could be
adopted. I may add that the public approbation is equally distinct and
earnest. I speak very frankly when I say that I do not recollect the
case of any representative of this country abroad who has won more
universal approbation than you have. I have purposely made this an
official paper, because we desire that the facts may stand, with the
President’s conclusions, upon the record.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,