Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a copy of a further official publication of documents connected with the case of the gunboat No. 290. Although they are by no means complete, the effect of them is to dissipate some of the illusions created by the solicitor general in his speech of Friday last.
Mr. Dudley has consulted me respecting a more full publication of these papers, so far as his action is concerned, and I advised it. In truth, the moral sense of the country has not been quieted by the parliamentary narcotic. And the impression that a way may grow out of it makes those who are really friendly to peace disposed to exert themselves. The appearance of taking a side against one’s own, and in favor of a foreign government, is very properly regarded with aversion in all countries. I do not, therefore, press the subject on the consideration of any one here. It is much better to submit the evidence to the public, correcting, as far as possible, the natural tendency to misstatement and misconstruction, without any attempt to fortify it by argument.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.