Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Your despatch of the 21st. of September, No. 1270, has been received. I learn from it with much satisfaction that, in execution of recent instructions from this department, you have, in a proper and becoming manner, called the attention of the British government to the claims of the United States for depredations committed on their ocean commerce by British subjects during the late war.
It is to be regretted that the solicitor’s reconsideration of those claims is to encounter some delay. While the President is not disposed to complain of this, he trusts, at the same time, that you will, on all proper occasions, seek to impress her Majesty’s government with the conviction of the importance of an early disposition of the question. In all our foreign relations I know of none that transcends it in importance, either to this country, or, in my opinion, to the country specially concerned.
Your contemplated visit to the continent for a brief period is approved. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.