Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1140 to 1143,inclusive.
The intelligence of the result of the election has been received here with no surprise, inasmuch as the concurring reports of the correspondents of the press, of all shades of opinion, had tended to prepare the public mind for it. The disappointment is betrayed in various attempts to allege unfairness and dictation on the part of the government. Very fortunately, the unequivocal character of the decision makes all such pretences ridiculous. It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of this event, in its influence upon the reputation of the nation throughout Europe. Very happily, too, the result has been arrived at without any appearance of popular disturbance. I trust I need not say how anxiously we have all looked for it, and how much satisfaction it has given to all loyal Americans on this side of the water.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.