The Right Honorable Lord John Russell to Charles Francis Adams, July 13, 1861

Lord John Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I have just had the honor to receive your letter dated the 11th instant. In the first conversation I had the honor to hold with you, on the 18th of May, I informed you that instructions had been sent to Lord Lyons to propose to the government of the United States to adopt the second, third, and fourth articles of the declaration of Paris, dropping the first altogether.

You informed me that you had instructions on the same subject; but I understood you to express an opinion, in which I fully concurred, that it would be well to leave the question in the hands of the Secretary of State at Washington.

Lord Lyons had instructions to make an agreement with the government of the United States, but he had no express authority to sign a convention.

The States who have adhered to the declaration of Paris have generally, if not invariably, done so by despatches or notes, and not by conventions.

As, however, you have been instructed to present to her Majesty’s government, for consideration, a project of a convention, I shall be happy to see you at the foreign office at three o’clock to-day, for the purpose of receiving that project.

I request you to receive the assurance of my highest consideration, and have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,