Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of two telegrams of the 25th instant, relating to a proposal to negotiate with this government on the question of allegiance and expatriation. I was enabled to reply to the earlier one promptly, by reason of an accidental meeting with Lord Stanley the evening before, in the course of which he explained to me his views of that proposition. He said that he was ready to agree to make the Prussian project the basis of a negotiation; but the adoption of it as it stands was thought by the law officers of the Crown to involve such extensive possible effects upon the laws of inheritance and succession in this kingdom, as well as collateral questions of property, that it was not safe to proceed without full examination of the statutes, and a report. He thought that some qualifications might be necessary to be introduced to guard against confusion.
It was upon this conversation that I rested my telegraph to you in reply. I have, however, asked for a special audience of his lordship next week, in order to press the subject upon him more earnestly. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.