Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, March 10, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: I have your despatch of February 21, No.
19, which informs me, first, of the progress of the debate in Parliament
concerning the alleged inefficiency of our blockade. I have already
treated, sufficiently, I think, upon that subject. I will add, however,
first, that I am credibly informed that the commander of the French
fleet in our waters inspected the blockade, and thereupon stated to Mr.
Mercier that it is as effective as it could be made by any navy in the
world. Second, Memphis newspapers publish telegrams from New Orleans
which state that gold is at a premium there of 60 to 65 per cent.

The other topic presented in your despatch is an assumption in England
that the government of the United States favors the continuance of
slavery, while the insurgents are seeking to win foreign support by
taking measures for its melioration and ultimate removal. I have
hitherto insisted, and I shall persevere in insisting, that slavery
here, although admitted to be a world-wide interest, is, as between
ourselves and the insurgents, a domestic question. For this reason I
declined to invoke or excite foreign prejudices against the insurgents
on the ground that they were attempting to set up a republic in our
midst upon the foundation of perpetual slavery, in opposition to the
federal government which rests upon the basis of the political equality
of all men. So now, if it were true that the two parties had changed
positions, I should still insist that the controversy is one in which no
foreign judgment could be invoked, for foreign interference on grounds
of sympathy or favor towards domestic parties is subversive everywhere
of national sovereignty and independence. Nevertheless, the allegation
of such a change is utterly groundless in regard to both parties. If the
government of the United States should precipitately decree the
immediate abolition of slavery, it would reinvigorate the declining
insurrection in every part of the south; and, on the other hand, if the
insurgents at home would avow the policy of opposition to slavery which
their emissaries abroad are understood to make pretences to, the
insurrection would perish for want of its necessary aliment, namely,
opposition to abolition.

The President’s recent message to Congress will probably produce a sudden
change in the tactics of the emissaries, and we may safely wait for them
to appear in some new attitude.

I fall back upon the ground assumed in my recent despatches. There is no
need for further losses and sufferings in Europe by reason of our
domestic troubles, and consequently no need for a continuance of the
disturbance of relations between the maritime states of Europe and
ourselves. Let the governments of Great Britain and France rescind the
decrees which concede belligerent rights to a dwindling faction in this
country, and all their troubles will come to a speedy end.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,