Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Recurring to your despatch of November 2d, No. 1474, I remark that we are not uninformed that even Mr. Bright and his political associates look unfavorably upon our claim to hold the British government responsible in the case of the Alabama for its unnecessary and ungenerous recognition of the insurgents as belligerents. This, although a source of regret, is not one of surprise or special complaint. With all their virtue, Mr. Bright and his associates are not citizens of the United States, but British subjects. In regard to the position held by this government, I can only say that the sentiment of the American people is as unanimous as Lord Stanley finds that the opposing sentiment is unanimous in Great Britain. It may be well, therefore, to let it be understood that we are not at all likely to yield the attitude we have hitherto maintained. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.