Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. No. 425.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, December 15, 1862. SIR: The excitement which attended the late political canvass having subsided, the public mind returns again from its wanderings to engage itself with the military situation. The army under General Burnside, which had been some time gathering upon the north bank of the Rappahannock, crossed that river on Friday and Saturday last in perfect order, and with signal exhibitions of heroism. The insurgents were dislodged from the town, and retired to their defences upon the hills beyond it. At the moment when I am writing, however, General Burnside, for reasons not yet explained, has withdrawn his forces to the north side of the river, and the two armies are now separated from each other by its shores. General Burnside had, when he commenced crossing the river, one hundred and thirty thousand men under his command. The addition of General Sigel's corps gave the commanding general last night fifteen thousand more, and to-day he will receive still another fifteen thousand. It is not easily understood how a general could handle a force larger than this. Major General Banks sailed from New York fifteen days ago with re-enforcements for New Orleans, and we suppose that he must before this time have reached and taken command in that city. With the additional forces which are now descending through the valley of the Mississippi under Generals Grant and Curtis, and a very large land and naval expedition that is waiting at Cairo, as I understand, only for a slight rise of the river, it is expected that the Mississippi will be entirely freed from the insurgents, and become a base for operations eastward through Alabama and westward to the Rio Grande. Generals Curtis and Grant have had satisfactory successes. General Rosecrans, who is in command at Nashville, and is expected to operate against Chattanooga and the passes in East Tennessee, has been less demonstrative than was expected, but we have no reason to apprehend any ultimate failure of his projected campaign. The political atmosphere begins to exhibit phenomena indicative of a weariness of the war, and a desire for peace on both sides. There are suggestions, perhaps as yet all of them visionary, of terms or bases of conciliation. No propositions or intimations, however, have come from the insurgent faction, and of course none have been communicated by the government. The public mind has been recently too much disturbed by incidental and collateral questions to study closely the progress of the war, and to measure the exhaustion of the insurgents. We are, therefore, without any conclusive evidence of their actual temper at this moment. The return of members of Congress from Louisiana, and the holding of elections for the same purpose in North Carolina and Virginia, have nevertheless an undoubted significance. The intended demonstration of iron-clad steamers is yet withheld for want of sufficient vessels. We continually see new vessels launched, and the workmen engaged in preparing them. But we do not find ourselves in possession of the overawing force of that kind which is necessary for watching at Hampton roads, and reaching at the same time Mobile and Charleston. The Passaic, when she arrived at the place of rendezvous, was found to be somewhat incomplete. She was sent up to the navy yard here, and will go out in good condition to-day. The Montauk goes to sea to-day or to-morrow. The "290" still escapes us, but the navy redoubles its exertions for her capture. I am, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWA terest by the desperate insurgents. There is scarcely a limit to the extent of the offers made to secure assistance. Much of the evidence upon which I make this statement has been already laid before you from other quarters. It appears that a loan, to a large amount, has been effected on the security of cotton to be furnished at a price which would secure an enormous profit to the holders, and that a corresponding rate of gain has been held out for the delivery of goods of which the rebels now stand in the most absolute need. This discovery furnishes at last an explanation of the sources of the large sums of money which have been lavished at a most reckless rate in the purchase and construction of steamers of all kinds, and munitions of war, in the despatch of military adventurers from the continent, and in the purchase of every variety of article that is needed to supply existing domestic wants in those States. The ports of Liverpool and London are filled with vessels taking in commodities destined for the insurgents. At the same time, a strong interest is thus formed which must be brought to bear more or less forcibly on the policy of the government towards the United States. The existence of loans here which can gain value only by the recognition of the insurgents as a State is, of itself, a material element of hostility to our success. Hence, there will be people not at all slow to inflame every little cause of difference between the two countries, and to stimulate the co-operation with the more positive policy of Napoleon, in bringing about the only result that can secure favorable returns to their hazardous ventures. No. 423.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, December 13, 1862. SIR: Your despatch of November 27 (No. 266) has been received, together with copies of the notes which have been exchanged between Earl Russell and yourself, on the subject of alleged enlistments by agents of the United States within the British dominions. Your answer to the complaint is approved, and you are authorized further to assure his lordship that this government has no agents of any kind in Great Britain, or any foreign country, who are authorized to enlist or do anything in the way of enlisting, recruiting, or engaging soldiers or seamen for the military or naval forces of the United States. Nor has the government any knowledge that any persons are so engaged, under any pretence of authority to that effect. The United States do not deny, but, on the contrary, they avow that voluntary immigration is a cardinal element of their prosperity. They invite and encourage it, but only by lawful means. The army and the navy, as well as the occupations of civil life, whether in time of peace or war, are open always to immigrants, as they are to all other classes of competent persons who may desire to volunteer on their arrival within the country, or at any time afterwards, but not until they have arrived on our shores and identified themselves with the masses who are subject to our own jurisdiction and laws. I am, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. No. 425.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, December 15, 1862. SIR: The excitement which attended the late political canvass having subsided, the public mind returns again from its wanderings to engage itself with the military situation. The army under General Burnside, which had been some time gathering upon the north bank of the Rappahannock, crossed that river on Friday and Saturday last in perfect order, and with signal exhibitions of heroism. The insurgents were dislodged from the town, and retired to their defences upon the hills beyond it. At the moment when I am writing, however, General Burnside, for reasons not yet explained, has withdrawn his forces to the north side of the river, and the two armies are now separated from each other by its shores. General Burnside had, when he commenced crossing the river, one hundred and thirty thousand men under his command. The addition of General Sigel's corps gave the commanding general last night fifteen thousand more, and to-day he will receive still another fifteen thousand. It is not easily understood how a general could handle a force larger than this. Major General Banks sailed from New York fifteen days ago with re-enforcements for New Orleans, and we suppose that he must before this time have reached and taken command in that city. With the additional forces which are now descending through the valley of the Mississippi under Generals Grant and Curtis, and a very large land and naval expedition that is waiting at Cairo, as I understand, only for a slight rise of the river, it is expected that the Mississippi will be entirely freed from the insurgents, and become a base for operations eastward through Alabama and westward to the Rio Grande. Generals Curtis and Grant have had satisfactory successes. General Rosecrans, who is in command at Nashville, and is expected to operate against Chattanooga and the passes in East Tennessee, has been less demonstrative than was expected, but we have no reason to apprehend any ultimate failure of his projected campaign. The political atmosphere begins to exhibit phenomena indicative of a weariness of the war, and a desire for peace on both sides. There are suggestions, perhaps as yet all of them visionary, of terms or bases of conciliation. No propositions or intimations, however, have come from the insurgent faction, and of course none have been communicated by the government. The public mind has been recently too much disturbed by incidental and collateral questions to study closely the progress of the war, and to measure the exhaustion of the insurgents. We are, therefore, without any conclusive evidence of their actual temper at this moment. The return of members of Congress from Louisiana, and the holding of elections for the same purpose in North Carolina and Virginia, have nevertheless an undoubted significance. The intended demonstration of iron-clad steamers is yet withheld for want of sufficient vessels. We continually see new vessels launched, and the workmen engaged in preparing them. But we do not find ourselves in possession of the overawing force of that kind which is necessary for watching at Hampton roads, and reaching at the same time Mobile and Charleston. The Passaic, when she arrived at the place of rendezvous, was found to be somewhat incomplete. She was sent up to the navy yard here, and will go out in good condition to-day. The Montauk goes to sea to-day or to-morrow. The "290" still escapes us, but the navy redoubles its exertions for her capture. I am, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 275.] Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. [Extracts.] LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: Since the date of my last your despatches, numbered from 412 to 416, inclusive, have come to hand. Likewise a printed circular (No. 28) of the 14th of November, relative to the operation of the act of July 1, 1862, on the salaries of public officers abroad. There is no change worthy of note in the state of affairs here during the past week. The tone of the President's message in treating of the foreign relations is regarded with more favor, for the reason that something of a different kind had been anticipated in quarters where it was hoped an interpretation might be made of it to our disadvantage. I continue of the opinion that a gradual reaction is taking place in the popular sentiment, which will be materially promoted by the accounts of the very noble spirit manifested at New York towards the distressed operatives in Lancashire. This reaction may become quite general in the nation, if it should find support in the successful progress of our arms; but without that nothing really beneficial can be expected. On the other hand, the efforts making by the rebel emissaries and their friends continue on the most extensive scale. An association has been formed in this place called the London Confederate States Aid Association, the objects of which are set forth in the little pamphlet, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. An office has been opened in a house in the next street to that in which I am writing, at which place meetings for discussion are held every Wednesday evening. These are not, however, absolutely open to the public at large. A card of admission is necessary, like that I send herewith, needing, however, the countersign of the secretary, Rector Smith, M. D., to make it available. Who this Dr. Smith is I do not know. All that I can learn is that he came originally from Kentucky, but has been settled here for some time as a practicing physician. He boasts of having a brother in southern Illinois, who is an effective ally to the rebel cause, and is frequently sent as far as Chicago on their business. The meetings are held in a room not capable of accommodating many persons. At one of the earlier ones one person appeared who ventured to question some remark made by one of the speakers, for which act he was immediately expelled. A box is placed at the entrance in the nature of a poor's box, intended to receive any anonymous contributions which may be made by Engglish sympathizers without committing themselves. A few small sums are obtained that way. I need not enlarge upon the literal or logical peculiarities of their pamphlet. It is enough to observe that it indicates a degree of despair and distress at home, which I could scarcely have supposed the advocates of recognition here would be willing to confess. The production has been rather cautiously issued only to persons supposed to be inclined to sympathize. I have obtained some copies, which I have not feared to put into the hands of leading gentlemen here. This organization is sanctioned by Mason, Lieutenant Maury, and the rest of the active emissaries in London, though I do not attribute the authorship of the duction to them. Its success thus far has not been much. But I am told they contemplate larger operations presently, when an effort will be made to carry a measure of recognition through Parliament. * * * * * * pro Lieutenant Maury professes to have come here for the purpose of bringing a son out for his education. He is really sent to forward the despatch of five war vessels building at Liverpool and elsewhere for the rebels. I learn, moreover, that as many more are building of iron at Bordeaux and Nantes; but you doubtless have sources of more accurate information as to those from France itself. We are watching the progress of the English ones, and hope to be able to obtain in season the evidence on which to base a new remonstrance to her Majesty's government. In the meanwhile the transmission of supplies goes on with unabated industry. The steamer Princess Royal left last week with a very valuable cargo, including all the armor plates intended for a vessel at Charleston. Her nominal destination is Halifax, to take in coals, but she has a Charleston pilot on board, and will attempt a direct voyage, if the weather and other circumstances prove propitious. The difficulty in preventing ingress and egress at that port seems to have proved so great that I scarcely dare to hope she will be intercepted. From the number of pilots sent out from that point I am led to infer they find it almost their only dependence. Yet, in spite of all their success, the severity of their distress sufficiently proves the general effectiveness of the blockade. It is very much to be desired that within the next three months some further results may be arrived at in obtaining their remaining ports, which will render all the armament they are preparing here to break the blockade of little worth. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SRWARD, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. [Card of Admission.] THE LONDON Confederate States Aid Association. 3 Devonshire street, Portland Place, W. [Pamphlet referred to.] An Address to the British public and all sympathizers in Europe, from the London Confederate States Aid Association. We most earnestly and sincerely solicit your co-operation, aid, and support to the cause of the Confederate States of America They are now engaged in a war of defence against a most fearful odds of unscrupulous enemies. Their immense coast is blockaded, and their entire communication cut off from the rest of mankind Their harbors have been destroyed, their rivers and waters are in the possession of their enemies. Laws have been passed confiscating their property, and forcing the oath of allegiance under the pains and penalty of death. Their women have been insulted, imprisoned, flogged, violated, and outraged in a most inhuman and savage manner. Their homes and goods have been destroyed, their houses forcibly entered, the helpless and unresisting inmates murdered, the fleeing overtaken and cut down in cold blood by their savage soldiery. Respectable and peaceable unarmed citizens have been arrested and imprisoned, others shot or hung in the presence of their families. without a moment's warning, or the slightest pretext or provocation whatever. Their villages, towns, and cities have been destroyed and made desolate plains; their once productive fields laid waste, made barren, and crimsoned with their own blood. That their invaders are bent on mischief, robbery, murder, arson, and crimes of the most revolting nature, cannot be doubted. The past history of this war demonstrates but to clearly their fiendish and demoniacal purpose; they destroy everything they come in reach of, both man and beast. They are now glutting their hellish rage against the people they seek to destroy, in inflicting every kind of torture, punishment, and misery that their |