William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, January 29, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I transmit to you a copy of a communication of the 23d instant, which I have received from the Secretary of the Treasury, in regard to a report that a Mr. Waterhouse has just embarked to Liverpool with a view to the disposal of eighty steam vessels belonging to the late insurgent government, which vessels are said to be at present in the above-mentioned port. I will thank you to communicate with Mr. Dudley, at Liverpool, upon the subject, although little credit is given by the department to the report in question.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,