Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-01-29
Mr.. ADAMS TO MR. SEWARD.
LLaA11oz OF TnE UErTED sr1TEa,
InNnnN Not II 1890

SIR: About the time Of writing my despatch No.
237, | was considering in my mAd the eXpediency OF
asking conference with Lord RUSSELL in order to knbw
whether the speech of Mr. Gladstone to be regard
ed by me conveying to the public the views OF Der
Majesty Cove But as was just then the point
of executing promise had made to visit Mr. w. +.
Forster at has place in Yorkshire determined put
of decision at least until after my return TO London
In the meantime, have had the opportunity OF free
conversation with that gentleman whose capacity udg-
men and tact in the treatment OF American questions
in Parliament have heretofore won for him much of my
respect and regard The conclusions TO which might
have come we're, however, greatly modified by the
events which happened during the interval Of my stay
1t became tolersby apparent TO that Mr. Gladstone
had been expressing bis individual opinions and giving
loose TO his personal sympathy with the chief of the
bells whilst his regarded by several of his
colleagues trsnscending the line of policy formerly
agreeupon the time Of their dispersion for the
mer The first public indication of this took the shI pc
of an informal notice in the GioL evening neWspa-
per protesting neutrality in our struggle, aud occasion
ally used for that to express Official opinions
which not without a little sharpness towards Mr. Glad.
some drew clear line between him aud the ministry in
regard TO the sentiments in his speech. The next aud
n1re marked proof is TO be found In the report of
speech made by Sir George Cornwall Lewis and pub
sned in the morning papers, which is pIpaby designed
70 neutralze the influences which might have been and
Which in many quarters, undoubtedly we're drawn of
Al actual change in the Cabinet policy.
Putting these things together, vas led TO the belief
that it Was wiser for not to NEEDLE with the matter
At al just now but rather 10 let it blow over nine
day'I wonder. | prefer 10 avoid any appearance OF
anxiety or of dstrEH IN TIE SINCERITY Of rte profession
thu, far n.ade and still any proceeding which
might be construed minStory. shall therefore, let
this week pass away without making any sign Of cou-
seriousness Of what is going on g.
90 the other hand, the tact is very certain that the
departure Of Lord Lyons has been again postponed.
The last time saw him, he announced TO mr that he
should go the lth. Yet be- is still here, aud there
Is no. sign of his immediate moving. ConcuTenty
with this delay, notice, that the first Cab
met Council is called for the 2Sd instant which
is CARRIER than usual, and intmatons appear that
for this anticipation is the urgent nature of
the American difficulty. Without putting much
stress theSr authorized nectures it is perfectly fair
To infer connection betVeen the approximation OF
the Cabinet meeting and the pospouement OF Lord Ly-
ons return DO not therefore, doubt that the Oopor-
tunty will be taken to reconsider the situation and'to
lay down the line Of policy for the regulation of the
Minister during the subsequent lIoS far the
question OF q recognition Of the insurgents will enter
into the dcliberatioh, will not venture to predict NJ
orr, opinion u.s. A0t that soriit dpend almost en-
tirely on tie fortune Of the irar. II yrooc ourMicS
by February merit more ALE 10 control ITS results,
than a This moment II mill be difficult for minis
rs longer 10 resist the current Of sentiment leaning IN
that difertiOa IN both houses of PdriiGnent d. hot
kHor that many Of hem pW be longer inclined to do So
Even the unpleasant alternative of appearing uphold
slavery against the action of a free government will be
acquiesced in a. ruling necessity, dictaiedby
the popular opinion | feel 1t my duty, TO say thus
much in order to prevent the smallest misconception,
of the existing Of things this side in the minds
of the government at home.
But it has occurred to me that, prior to this day Of
meeting it may be expeden for me to solicit inter
view with Lord Russell TO dispose of other matters
which have been left pending for some time past. /
may then be able incidentally open way to the sub
jcct most interesting to both countries, and Unite in
formal disclosures if any are to be made as well a. M
the same way intimate probabilities ohch may sS,e
certain contingencies hdtcaH be Rdghed The mat
ter requires deliberate treatment bus present adj
vsed, am inclined to venture upon the experiment.
Whatever the results of il may be- shall endeaVor to
l,y them faithfully before you in my next.
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS
Hon WV. II. SEWARD,
Sccrat.rv nc State Washington N ~