Mr. Adams to Mr.
Seward.
No. 1127.]
Legation of the United States,
London, January 4, 1866.
Sir: I feel very much honored in receiving the
President’s approbation of my share of the correspondence with Lord
Clarendon. In. accordance with your desire expressed in No. 1626, of the
14th of December, I have disposed of the only remaining proposition left
open between us, in a note to his lordship, a copy of which I have the
honor to transmit.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Adams to Earl Clarendon.
Legation of the United
States, London,
January 3,
1866.
My Lord: It may, perhaps, be recollected by
your lordship that, in the note which I had the honor to address to
you on the 18th of November, allusion was made to a suggestion made
by your predecessor the right honorable Earl Russell, in his note of
the 2d of the same month, which I was then answering, that looked to
the possibility of a concurrent revision of the statutes of both
nations, to the end that greater security might be given to them
against those who endeavor to evade the letter of their present
neutrality laws. Considering this in the nature of a proposition, I
took the liberty to mention to you that I should with pleasure
transmit it for the consideration of my government.
I have now the honor to inform your lordship that the views of that
subject expressed in my note nave met with approval.
It is then with regret, but without surprise, that I find myself
directed to add that the United States do not incline towards an
acceptance of his lordship’s proposition.
I pray your lordship to accept, &c., &c., &c.
Right Honorable Earl of Clarendon,
&c., &c., &c.
