Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In consequence of a representation made by Mr. Bravay, the ostensible claimant of the iron-clad rams, that he is now too busy in obtaining another election to the French Chambers to attend to this matter, the trial fixed for the 27th instant has been postponed to the 6th of June.
I received notice this morning by telegram from Mr. Fox, the consul at Plymouth, tha some of the crew of the ship Avon, which was destroyed by the Florida on the 30th of March, have been landed there. The morning newspapers report the Florida to have arrived at St. Nazaire, in France.
There appears to be some attempt going on here to concentrate whatever naval force may be gathered by the rebels, for objects which I do not quite penetrate. Officers are reported to me as continually coming over in the steamers, whilst I learn that efforts are steadily continued at Liverpool and here to add to the inducements to seamen to enlist. It is possible that the rebel agents count upon getting one or more of the four steamers which are in process of construction for them in France; and perhaps upon the release of the Rappahannock, though that event seems less likely of the two. However this may be, I feel it my duty to call the attention of the government to the fact that there is but one war steamer of the United States anywhere in these waters. Accident or contrivance might place her in a situation which would not reflect credit on the foresight of the Navy Department. The Prince de Joinville, who called on me the other day with a letter to you, which I had the honor to forward by the last steamer, made some remarks on the effect of the presence of our sailing ships in European harbors in a perfectly friendly spirit, that were not without their weight in my mind. I have a fear that these vessels entail a heavy burden of useless expense, and retain in utter inactivity a considerable number of the best class of our useful seamen. It would be quite as well for the country if they were entirely withdrawn. One steamer like the Kearsarge has more influence upon the opinion of nautical men than all the obsolete frigates remaining in the world would, put together. Three or four such, properly distributed, with good officers, would materially check the tendency to serve on board of dubious rebel ships.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.