William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, January 9, 1865

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams

Sir: Your despatch of the 23d of December, No. 842, has been received, together with the resolutions of the people of Dewsberry, and their address to the President of the United States. These papers have been submitted to the President, and received by him with unaffected sensibility and gratitude. Insurgent currency is variously quoted at prices varying from thirty to forty for one in gold. I give you an authentic report of an auction sale of slaves in Augusta, Georgia, in which the prices for the slaves, understood to be effective adult laborers, ranged from three thousand to three thousand five hundred dollars currency. You may give this fact to the citizens of Dewsberry as a demonstration that it is no longer doubtful that the American Union will live and that slavery must die.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,