William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, February 26, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Your despatch of the 6th of February (No. 316) has been received, together with a report of her Majesty’s speech and the debate which occurred on the opening of Parliament.

If the expressions made on that occasion in regard to our affairs seem less generous than we think we might have expected, it cannot be denied, on the other hand, that they are far more tolerant than the sentiments which were understood to be prevalent in Great Britain a year ago. However this fact may be, it is manifest that the British nation is coming to understand better the true nature of the question which relates to American affairs. When our unhappy domestic disturbances began, the position practically assumed by European states seemed to be that this government, unlike every other when involved in such dangers, must either suppress the insurrection instantly, with what means it had immediately on hand, or must altogether forego the attempt at self-preservation, and succumb at once in dissolution. It would be unjust, however, to deny that this position was assumed in accordance with the inconsiderate and impatient, though unconscious, expressions of a portion of our own countrymen. Time has brought wholesome instructions to all parties, and it is now beginning to be understood that the real question in regard to this country is not whether the government has at once and everywhere suppressed the insurrection, but whether a needless, causeless, and ruinous revolution, injurious to all human society, has been effected. When the public mind on both continents comes to consider our affairs in this light, it perceives that the revolution has been going backward, and the Union going forward, from the very beginning of the civil war.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,