William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, July 16, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.

Sir: Your despatch of the 30th of June, No. 734, has been received. The letter of Lancaster, the owner of the Deerhound, does not effectively relieve his position in the affair of the Alabama. The telegraphic article is none the less significant, because it is exceptional, and it may, I think, be regarded as furnishing some proof that, under existing circumstances, the conscience of the British people is not so certain to approve of lenity on the part of the ministry in answering our request for explanations concerning the intervention of the Deer-hound, as was at first expected.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,