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

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward

No. 1092.]

Legation of the United States, London, November 22, 1865.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department, numbered from 1576 to 1582 inclusive.

In regard to No. 1580, of the 4th of November, it did not seem to me that there was any good reason for postponing the communication to this government of the final answer to the feeble proposal of Lord Russell; so I drew it up and sent it last evening.

A copy of my note 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 Earl Clarendon

Legation of the United States, London, November 21, 1865.

My Lord: I have the honor to inform your lordship that the notes elicited by the pro posai for a commission to consider classes of claims growing out of the late difficulties in the United States, made by your predecessor, the Right Hon. Earl Russell, in his letter addressed to me on the 30th of August last, have received the careful consideration of my government.

Adhering, as my government does, to the opinion that the claims it has presented—which his lordship has thought fit at the outset to exclude from consideration—are just and reasonable, I am instructed to say that it sees now no occasion for further delay in giving a full answer to his lordship’s proposition.

I am directed, therefore, to inform your lordship that the proposition of her Majesty’s government for the creating of a joint commission is respectfully declined.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Right Hon. the Earl of Clarendon, &c., &c., &c.