Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

No. 1343.]

Legation of the United States, London, March 27, 1867.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered 1941 and 1942.

I likewise received yesterday morning a telegram with instructions for Judge Redfield, which I communicated at once to him.

I transmit herewith copies of the Times containing a report of the debate in the House of Commons on the second reading of the bill for the extension of the franchise. The concessions made by the ministry will now carry the measure into committee of the whole on the 8th of the next month, where it must undergo extensive modifications before it can be made acceptable to the opposition. In that event the course which the government will take is not altogether clear. In view of the speeches made by some of the members it is more than doubtful whether they could consent to keep on with it beyond that point.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.