Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

No. 839.]

Legation of the United States, London, December 22, 1864.

Sir: In obedience to your instructions in despatch No. 1173, of the 3d instant, I have addressed a note to Lord Wharncliffe, a copy of which is herewith transmitted.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Adams to Lord Wharncliffe

Legation of the United States, London, December 20, 1864.

My Lord: I have the honor to inform you that I have submitted to the consideration of my government a copy of your lordship’s note to me of the 12th of November, and of my reply of the 18th of that month, and I have now to apprise you of the conclusion which has been reached.

I am instructed to say that permission for an agent of the committee described by your lordship, to visit the insurgents detained in the military prisons of the United States, and to distribute among them seventeen thousand pounds of British gold, cannot be granted.

I am sorry to be further constrained to signify to your lordship that with this note my correspondence on this subject must be brought to a close.

I have the honor to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Lord Wharncliffe, Worthy Hall, Sheffield.