Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of dispatches from the department, numbered 2119, and from 2121 to 2124, inclusive; also three copies of the United States Statutes at Large, passed at the first session of the 40th Congress.
With respect to the subject matter of No. 2123, of the 20th of January, I have the honor to report that in a conversation with Lord Stanley, held some time since, I introduced the question which had been committed to me in your dispatch No. 2097, of the 23d of November, and remarked to his lordship that the government, feeling a friendly interest in the government of Nicaragua, had wished me to offer to render any services that might be in my power to smooth away difficulties that might have arisen here. His lordship replied that the government had no wish to do anything to embarrass the government of Nicaragua. Their object had been to secure justice to all parties, as well the people of the Mosquito territory as the Nicaraguans; and after consultations with the minister who had been sent here, he believed that the result arrived at had been regarded as perfectly satisfactory.
I said, in reply, that I had presumed this to be the case, as I had heard nothing more of the minister after the first interchange of civilities between us. It had so happened that, though repeated calls had been reciprocated, we had never been so fortunate as to meet each other face to face. But it was well understood between us that my services could be commanded in case of need. Hence the omission to apply for them had led me to the conclusion that all the objects in view had been attained without the need of them.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.