W. H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, April 21, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Your despatch of April 3 (No. 362) has been received. It is pleasant to know that evidence has been procured in regard to the fitting out of hostile expeditions in England which the British government may be expected to treat with some consideration.

The Peterhoff will be left to the care of the courts. Her mail will be forwarded to its destination unopened. I shall, however, improve the occasion to submit some views upon the general question of the immunities to public mails found on board of vessels visited under the belligerent right of search. The subject is one attended by many embarrassments, while it is of great importtance. The President believes that it is not less desirable to Great Britain than it is to the United States, and other maritime powers, to arrive at some regulation that will at once save the mails of neutrals from unnecessary interruption and exposure, and at the same time prevent them from being made use of as auxiliaries to unlawful designs of irresponsible persons seeking to embroil friendly States in the calamities of war.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,