Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have received your despatch of December 1st, No. 1101. I thank you for your attention in giving to me the information therein contained. There is a soreness in several of the lately disloyal States in the relations which exist between the whites and the blacks; a necessary consequence, perhaps, of past events. For this reason, the municipal authorities there need the support of a small military national force. The presence, however, of that very inconsiderable force is equally acceptable to the whites and to the blacks; it meets nowhere an enemy of the United States.
In no case in the world’s history has treason been so effectually suppressed and extirpated. Neither Great Britain nor France, nor both combined, if disposed to engage in war with the United States, as we trust indeed they are not, would now find an ally here. If emissaries of the late rebellion, who are yet lingering in Europe, succeed in practicing upon the credulity of politicians there, it is a pitiable fruit of the original error of European sympathies with our domestic enemies.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.